Explanation at the National Assembly Education Committee Hearing
Admitted at the Hearing: "It Was a Serious Mistake"
On the Thesis Allegations: "I Sincerely Apologize"
Lee Jinsuk, nominee for Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, stated on the 16th that she "did not even realize it was illegal" to send her child to study abroad without parental accompaniment, in violation of regulations, and added, "I apologize." Regarding allegations of plagiarism in her academic papers, she said, "I will explain in detail regarding research ethics," but also offered a sincere apology for failing to meet public expectations, saying, "I sincerely apologize for the suspicions raised."
During the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Education Committee on this day, Lee responded to questions from Jin Sunmi, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and explained the circumstances surrounding her child's overseas studies.
She explained, "My husband and I stayed in the United States as visiting researchers for two years starting in 2001, and that experience led my eldest child to strongly wish to study in the U.S. Although, as parents, it was difficult for us to be separated and we tried to dissuade her, her determination was so strong that we could not refuse her request."
Lee Jinsuk, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education nominee, is delivering an opening statement at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Education Committee on the 16th. 2025.7.16 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
She continued, "According to the American school system, my eldest child went to the U.S. in the first year of high school and ended up attending school there for another year and a half. My younger child followed her older sister and went to study abroad a year later. We were only thinking about the school system, and did not realize that it was illegal (since the Elementary and Secondary Education Act prohibits studying abroad without parental accompaniment). Even though we were unaware, it was a serious mistake," she admitted.
She added, "I cannot express enough how sorry I am to the public."
Regarding the allegations related to her academic papers, she said, "For the past 30 years, I have pursued academic integrity and trained my students according to my scholarly conscience. I will provide a detailed explanation about my research ethics during this hearing and seek your understanding." When asked if she would apologize for failing to meet public expectations, she replied, "I sincerely apologize for the suspicions that have arisen because my actions did not meet public expectations."
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