Kim Keon-hee Loses Doctoral Degree: Kookmin University's Final Decision Shocks South Korea

The Academic Scandal That Shook South Korea's Political Elite

In a dramatic conclusion to a four-year controversy that has captivated South Korean society, Kookmin University officially announced on July 21, 2025, the revocation of former First Lady Kim Keon-hee's doctoral degree. This decision represents the final chapter in one of the most scrutinized academic scandals in recent Korean history, involving the wife of impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The university's decision came after Sookmyung Women's University revoked Kim's master's degree in June 2025, citing extensive plagiarism in her 1999 thesis on Paul Klee's artistic characteristics. According to Kookmin University's official statement, Kim no longer met the admission requirements for doctoral programs as stipulated in Article 33, Clause 4 of the Higher Education Act, which requires a valid master's degree for doctoral enrollment.

This unprecedented case has drawn intense public attention not only because of Kim's status as a former first lady but also because it highlights broader issues of academic integrity and privilege in South Korean higher education. The scandal has sparked nationwide discussions about transparency in academic institutions and the accountability of public figures.

Timeline of the Plagiarism Controversy: From Allegations to Final Decision

The controversy surrounding Kim Keon-hee's academic credentials began in 2021 when allegations first surfaced regarding her 1999 master's thesis titled 'A Study on the Characteristics of Paul Klee's Paintings.' Initially submitted to Sookmyung Women's University's Graduate School of Education, the thesis came under scrutiny when academic researchers and alumni groups began questioning its originality.

In December 2022, Sookmyung Women's University launched a formal investigation into the plagiarism allegations after receiving complaints from an alumni association. The investigation, which lasted over three years, revealed that Kim's thesis contained plagiarism rates between 48.1% and 54.9%, with numerous instances of sentences and entire paragraphs copied without proper citation.

The prolonged investigation period drew criticism from academic circles and the public, with many questioning why it took so long to reach a conclusion. Alumni association president Yoo Young-joo expressed frustration, stating that the university should have provided clearer explanations about the high plagiarism rate and apologized for the delayed announcement. The controversy intensified as it became clear that Kim had used her master's degree as a prerequisite for obtaining her doctoral degree from Kookmin University in 2008.

Kookmin University's Deliberation Process and Legal Framework

Following Sookmyung Women's University's decision to revoke Kim's master's degree on June 24, 2025, Kookmin University was legally obligated to review the validity of her doctoral degree. The university established a Graduate School of Techno Design committee to examine the case and determine appropriate action based on the Higher Education Act.

According to university regulations, a master's degree or equivalent academic credentials is required for doctoral program enrollment. With Kim's master's degree officially canceled, Kookmin University had no choice but to proceed with the revocation process. The university's external affairs director, Lee Eun-hyung, had previously indicated that if Sookmyung Women's University finalized the cancellation of Kim's degree, Kookmin University would convene to review the validity of her doctorate.

The decision-making process involved the Graduate School Committee, which includes department heads and five or more members appointed by the university president. Decisions are made through majority votes, and the process begins with the dean of the Graduate School of Techno Design convening a meeting to propose the matter to the committee. The university emphasized that it would follow all legal procedures to ensure the decision's validity and transparency.

Public and Academic Community Reactions: A Nation Divided

The revocation of Kim Keon-hee's degrees has generated intense reactions across South Korean society, with public opinion sharply divided along political lines. Supporters of former President Yoon Suk Yeol have criticized the universities' decisions as politically motivated attacks, while opposition supporters view the revocations as long-overdue accountability measures.

Academic communities have largely supported the universities' decisions, arguing that they demonstrate a commitment to research integrity and academic standards. The Pan-academic National Verification Group, composed of 16 professors from 14 academic associations, had previously identified significant issues with Kim's doctoral dissertation as well, finding that 220 out of 860 sentences were copied without proper citation.

Social media platforms and online communities have been buzzing with discussions about the case. Many netizens have expressed satisfaction that academic standards are being upheld regardless of political status, while others have questioned the timing of the investigations. The controversy has also sparked broader conversations about the culture of academic achievement in South Korea and the pressure to obtain advanced degrees for social status.

Legal and Political Implications: Beyond Academic Credentials

The revocation of Kim Keon-hee's degrees carries implications that extend far beyond academic circles. As the wife of an impeached president already facing multiple legal challenges, this development adds another layer to the complex web of controversies surrounding the former first family. Legal experts suggest that while the degree revocations themselves don't carry criminal penalties, they could impact other ongoing investigations.

The timing of these decisions has also raised questions about their potential political ramifications. With South Korea's political landscape already polarized following President Yoon's impeachment, the academic scandal has become another flashpoint in the country's ongoing political tensions. Opposition lawmakers, including Rep. Kang Kyung-sook of the Rebuilding Korea Party, have used the case to call for broader reforms in academic oversight and accountability.

Furthermore, the case has prompted discussions about the need for stricter academic integrity measures and more transparent processes for investigating plagiarism allegations. Universities across South Korea are now reviewing their own policies and procedures to prevent similar controversies in the future.

International Perspective: South Korea's Academic Integrity Under Global Scrutiny

The Kim Keon-hee case has attracted international attention, highlighting South Korea's academic culture and integrity standards to a global audience. International observers have noted the lengthy investigation process and the high-profile nature of the case as indicative of broader issues within South Korean higher education.

For foreign audiences unfamiliar with South Korean academic culture, it's important to understand that advanced degrees carry significant social weight in Korean society. The pursuit of higher education credentials is often seen as essential for career advancement and social status, which can sometimes lead to questionable practices. This cultural context helps explain why the Kim Keon-hee case has resonated so strongly with the South Korean public.

The international academic community has been watching this case closely, as it represents a test of South Korea's commitment to maintaining global academic standards. The decisive action taken by both universities sends a message that South Korean institutions are willing to uphold integrity standards regardless of political or social pressure.

Looking Forward: Lessons Learned and Future Implications

The conclusion of the Kim Keon-hee academic scandal marks a significant moment for South Korean higher education and society as a whole. The case has demonstrated that academic institutions are willing to take decisive action to maintain their integrity, even when faced with high-profile cases involving politically sensitive figures.

Moving forward, this case is likely to serve as a precedent for how South Korean universities handle similar situations. The thorough investigation processes and transparent decision-making demonstrated by both Sookmyung Women's University and Kookmin University have set new standards for academic accountability. Universities across the country are now reviewing their policies and strengthening their research integrity committees.

For the South Korean public, this case has reinforced the importance of academic honesty and the principle that no one should be above academic standards, regardless of their social or political status. As the country continues to grapple with broader issues of transparency and accountability in public life, the Kim Keon-hee case stands as a reminder that institutions must be willing to uphold their principles even under intense scrutiny and pressure.