Kim Minseok Discloses Immigration and Flight Records Amid Tsinghua University Master's Degree Controversy

"Fueled by Determination, Commuting by Airplane for Studies"

Minseok Kim, the nominee for Prime Minister, disclosed his immigration and flight records to China after controversy arose over his attainment of a master's degree from Tsinghua University in 2010 while serving as a senior member of the Democratic Party.

On June 19, Kim posted on social media, stating, "I completed all the courses and exams required by China's top university," and uploaded a document listing his entry and exit dates to and from China, flight numbers, and length of stay from February 19, 2025, to January 12, 2018.

Immigration and flight records in China disclosed by Prime Minister nominee Minseok Kim. Screenshot from Kim's Facebook.

Kim explained, "I simultaneously pursued a three-year doctoral program at a U.S. law school and a one-year master's program at a Chinese law school," and added, "The credits I earned in the Chinese law master's program at Tsinghua University were also recognized as credits toward my U.S. Juris Doctor degree."

He continued, "I alternated missing the top-level meetings held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, taking flights back and forth to pursue my studies with determination," and clarified, "My secret was using nearly empty Air China morning flights at heavily discounted prices and booking inexpensive accommodations near the school for two to three days a week at 30,000 won per day through long-term reservations."

He also wrote, "I managed with tuition and living expenses that were about half of what they would have been in the U.S.," and added, "Although one semester was delayed due to the so-called 'second targeted investigation' by political prosecutors, I ultimately completed everything."

Kim emphasized, "Tsinghua University Law School is not an institution that hands out degrees indiscriminately. I also wrote a thesis in China," and added, "By addressing the issue of North Korean defectors under international law, I presented a meaningful and original argument that conveyed my views to China."