The Graduate School Committee of Sookmyung Women's University in Seoul announced on 24/6 the revocation of Kim Keon-hee's 1999 master's degree. The university's decision comes after years of delay, despite public condemnation and evidence suggesting plagiarism in half of her thesis.

For many critics, this overdue decision is a landmark moment, reflecting the public's growing demand for transparency not only from officials but also from their relatives.

Kim Keon-hee at a presidential election polling station in Seocho District, Seoul, on 3/6. Photo: Yonhap

Kim Keon-hee at a presidential election polling station in Seocho District, Seoul, on 3/6. Photo: Yonhap

Analysts believe this decision could reshape the standards for future first ladies. "In modern political history, it's rare for a leader's wife to be the subject of such continuous controversy," said Choi Jin, president of the Presidential Leadership Institute. "From now on, the public will scrutinize and judge both officials and their families."

Kim, 52, wife of impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol, has recently faced legal troubles and a wave of criticism.

Kookmin University has also revoked Kim's doctorate, as her master's degree is now invalid. Kim received her doctorate in 2008 for a dissertation on "using virtual characters to create fortune-telling content." This unusual topic later became politically sensitive, amid reports that she often consulted fortune tellers for decision-making. This dissertation is also under investigation for plagiarism.

Kim and her husband frequently consult fortune tellers and spiritual advisors, some of whom are under investigation for suspected profiteering through connections to those in power. Since being hospitalized last week for depression, Kim has not appeared in public and has repeatedly ignored prosecutors' summons.

Experts suggest that Kim previously avoided legal consequences due to her husband's position as prosecutor general, but the situation has now changed. A special counsel of 205 independent investigators, including 40 prosecutors, is preparing a comprehensive investigation at the request of the National Assembly.

Special prosecutor Min Joong-ki speaks to reporters about the formation of a 40-prosecutor team to investigate Kim, on his way to his office in Seoul on 24/6. Photo: Yonhap

Special prosecutor Min Joong-ki speaks to reporters about the formation of a 40-prosecutor team to investigate Kim, on his way to his office in Seoul on 24/6. Photo: Yonhap

They are divided into eight specialized teams, each investigating 16 alleged wrongdoings by Kim, including accepting luxury gifts such as a Chanel bag and a $44,000 Graff necklace from a member of the Unification Church, and manipulating Deutsch Motors stock between 2009 and 2012. She is also suspected of interfering in candidate nominations for the 2022 by-election and the 2024 general election.

The investigation will also examine allegations that Yoon's presidential office pressured law enforcement to cover up a 2023 drug trafficking case allegedly involving tax officials. Yoon himself is also under investigation by a separate group of 60 prosecutors for alleged abuse of power in declaring martial law last year.

Choi commented that Kim has angered the public by "violating the basic standards of a first lady" and warned that her actions have set a worrying precedent.

"She's involved in numerous scandals, even more than her husband. She must bear equal responsibility with her husband for tarnishing the country's image and pushing the nation into crisis," he concluded.

Hong Hanh (According to Chosun/Yonhap)