According to Korean media, recently, the committee of Sookmyung University of Women's Education's College decided to revoke Ms. Kim Keon Hee's master's degree because the thesis researching the art style of Paul Klee contained a copy of content ranging from 48.1% to 54.9%.
The investigation lasted from December 2022 to February 2025, after signs of violations appeared from December 2021 - when her husband was running for president.
Notably, in 2024, the school amended its policy of revoking degrees, allowing consideration of even theses issued before 2015. This is a clear move to handle old academic fraud cases, typically in Ms. Kim's.
Ms. Kim Keon Hee herself did not appeal after the preliminary conclusion in February 2025, making the recall quick and decisive.
Immediately after this decision, Kookmin University also revoked her doctorate, because according to the law of higher education, a master's degree is a necessary condition to be granted a doctorate. When a low degree is canceled, a higher degree automatically takes effect.
The incident received great attention from public opinion at home and abroad, because it not only reflects the efforts to fight against the teaching of the law but also raises questions about the ethical standards of those in high positions.
Sookmyung University of Women also emphasized that this is an act to protect academic integrity and transparency.
In addition to the thesis case, Ms. Kim was also suspected of manipulating the shares of Deutsche Motors (2009-2012), exaggerating her personal background in her application, and was recently heavily criticized after receiving a $2,200 Dior badge from a cleric, causing a huge wave of public outrage.
