The Plagiarism of Kim Geon-hee's Thesis and the Struggle of the Sookmyung Women's University Democratic Alumni Association - Those Who Stand Before the Truth, Those Who Remain Silent

Plagiarism in Academic Papers: Questions Beyond

The suspicion that Mrs. Kim Geon-hee's master's thesis was plagiarized cannot be interpreted merely as an individual's ethical lapse. This incident raises fundamental questions about what academia is, what role universities should play, and where the responsibility of institutions and individuals lies in uncovering the truth. In particular, this issue serves as a decisive example of how vulnerable the institution of the university can be under external power and pressure. The core of this matter lies not in the plagiarism itself, but in how it has been handled. Sookmyung Women's University reviewed this issue for over three years, yet remained passive in articulating a clear stance until the end. While the university remained silent and hesitant, the truth was distorted, and the name of academia was tarnished. However, there were those who relentlessly raised questions and pursued the truth throughout. They are none other than the Sookmyung Women's University Alumni Association.

The Silence and Evasion of Sookmyung Women's University - A Portrait of a Cowardly Institution

Sookmyung Women's University has long delayed taking substantive action since the allegations of plagiarism against Kim Geon-hee's thesis were first raised. An initial investigation began in February 2022, but the final judgment regarding the plagiarism was only communicated in February 2025. According to academic ethical standards, it is typical to reach a conclusion within a few months if clear evidence exists. However, Sookmyung Women's University remained silent and delayed for over 40 months. During this time, the university repeatedly postponed the announcement of results under the pretext of ensuring "procedural legitimacy," deflecting responsibility by claiming they would provide an opportunity to raise objections. An institution that should fulfill its social responsibility as a bastion of academia has instead concealed the truth and remained silent out of fear of power. This attitude ultimately diminishes public trust in Sookmyung Women's University and undermines the ethical authority of the institution. Most importantly, Sookmyung Women's University has never voluntarily provided explanations or expressed remorse regarding Kim Geon-hee's thesis even once. There has been no accountability for the thesis itself, nor has there been any disciplinary action against the faculty who supervised it or a review of the research ethics system. This can be interpreted as not just simple passivity, but as active avoidance and cowardice.

The Moral Courage of the Democratic Alumni Association - Those Who Preserve Memory

While Sookmyung Women's University remained silent, the Democratic Alumni Association struggled to ask for the truth and reveal its substance. They conducted an independent analysis of First Lady Kim Geun-hye's thesis, concluding that the plagiarism rate reached a minimum of 48.1% and a maximum of 54.9%. This figure far exceeds the academic standard that generally considers anything above 15% as plagiarism. The activities of the Democratic Alumni Association went beyond mere internal whistleblowing. They held press conferences and explained the circumstances of the plagiarism to the public through YouTube and social media. In the process, they painstakingly uncovered specific sentences, citations, and distortions hidden behind the abstract term 'plagiarism.' Some labeled them as 'anti-academic forces,' but the Democratic Alumni Association criticized a system that turned a blind eye to justice in the name of the university rather than attacking the school itself. Their struggle was not for the restoration of an individual's honor or political interests. It was about the ethical weight that the name 'Sookmyung Women's University' should carry in Korean society and the responsibility for a sense of justice befitting that name. As alumni, as women, and as citizens, they conveyed the message that 'this cannot continue.' Their voices were quiet but solid, filled with patience and sincerity that can withstand the test of time.

The final conclusion of Sookmyung - a definition too late, an apology too quiet

Eventually, Sookmyung Women's University decided to revoke First Lady Kim Kun-hee's master's degree on June 24, 2025. However, this decision was not an active gesture to uncover the truth, but rather a 'forced choice' influenced by undeniable evidence, public opinion, and the ongoing pressure from the Democratic Alumni Association. There was no heartfelt apology, reflection, or promise for institutional reform accompanying this decision. Only the outcome of degree cancellation existed, with no reflection on the process involved. In fact, Sookmyung Women's University delayed the decision regarding degree processing for more than 70 days, even after the plagiarism ruling, and did not disclose whether there would be any disciplinary actions against the supervisor or review committee members. This led many professors, students, and alumni to criticize the university for not staying within 'formal measures.' Justice was finally realized, but it was painfully delayed and coldly silent. This reflects Sookmyung Women's University's approach to this situation as one aimed at 'minimizing losses.'

Truth does not crumble silently.

Sookmyung Women's University has clearly revealed how vulnerable 'academic freedom can be in the face of power' through this incident. The university is no longer a center for critical reason and ethical judgment. Rather than speaking the truth, it has focused on calculations to minimize political burdens, repeatedly making choices that betray the trust of its community members. However, there were still those who remained unbroken during this time. The Democratic Alumni Association held onto memories, preserved the truth, and stood against power and silence. They upheld what the university should protect and practiced the ethics that academia should maintain. Their struggle is not characterized by grand language but by simple words like perseverance, honesty, and solidarity. The truth does not crumble. It is only when someone fights for it, remembers it, and endures pain that it remains intact. The fight of the Sookmyung Women's University Democratic Alumni Association serves as evidence that this truth is never alone. We must remember their quiet courage. And we cannot help but ask, for whom the silent ones were trying to protect and what they intended to safeguard.