[Viewpoint] For Professors, a Research Paper Is a Matter of Conscience

The Education Minister Holds a Status Beyond That of an Ordinary Minister
Verification of Moral Integrity, Including Research Ethics, Is Essential
Nomination Should Be Withdrawn If Allegations Remain Unresolved

What does a research paper mean to a professor? When asked this question, one university professor answered unequivocally, "It is a matter of pride." At the same time, he called it a matter of "conscience." For a scholar, a research paper containing the results of their work is a source of honor. For professors teaching at universities, papers are a means through which they gain recognition and authority from their students.

The Minister of Education oversees not only elementary, middle, and high school education, but also university education policy. The Minister of Education is not just a minister; they also serve as Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs. The position represents not only the Ministry of Education but the entire non-economic sector of the government. In terms of administrative hierarchy, the Minister of Education ranks after the President, the Prime Minister, and the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.

For the Korean public, who have been heavily influenced by Confucianism, education takes precedence over other values. Teachers are regarded as being on par with parents, reflecting the importance placed on education. This is likely why moral integrity is especially demanded among the qualifications for the Minister of Education. In particular, research papers, which are the most important achievements for a scholar, are a critical part of personnel vetting.

Among former Ministers of Education and nominees, four have been forced to step down during the vetting process due to allegations of plagiarism. In 2006, during President Roh Moo-hyun's administration, Kim Byung-joon, who was serving as Deputy Prime Minister for Education and Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, resigned after just 13 days in office. He faced allegations of using survey data from a student's thesis in his own paper without proper attribution.

In July 2014, President Park Geun-hye nominated Kim Myung-soo as Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, but later withdrew the nomination. It was revealed that he had summarized a student's master's thesis and published it in an academic journal as the first author. Additional allegations included duplicate publication of papers and improper receipt of research funds.

In April 2022, Kim In-chul, nominated by President Yoon Suk-yeol as Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, was accused of using parts of a student's doctoral dissertation in his own academic journal article without proper citation. He resigned voluntarily just 20 days after his nomination. Later, in June of the same year, nominee Park Soon-ae faced allegations of inflating her research achievements through plagiarism and repeatedly reusing her own work. She resigned after just 35 days in office.

Although plagiarism allegations were not the sole reason for their resignations, it is clear that moral integrity is a crucial qualification for the Minister of Education.

Controversy also surrounds Lee Jin-sook, the current nominee for Minister of Education designated by President Lee Jae-myung. The most prominent issue is the allegation of plagiarism. She is accused of repeatedly copying a student's thesis.

While Lee Jin-sook has stated that she will provide sufficient clarification during the confirmation hearing, the academic community believes that plagiarism is evident. On July 14, the National Verification Group for Academia, a coalition of 11 professor associations including the Korean Association of Private University Professors, demanded her voluntary resignation, citing serious violations of research ethics in her past papers.

At today's confirmation hearing, scrutiny of Lee Jin-sook has become even more intense. Copying a student's thesis verbatim or listing the professor as the first author on a paper written by a student is shameful conduct for a scholar. Appointing such an individual as Minister of Education does not meet the expectations of the public. If the allegations are not adequately addressed during the confirmation hearing, President Lee should withdraw her nomination.