Why Was South Korea's Ex-first Lady Stripped of Her Teaching License?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee has lost her teaching license after a private university rescinded her master's degree due to plagiarism. This article delves into the implications of her indictment on stock manipulation and the historic circumstances surrounding her arrest.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Keon Hee lost her teaching license due to plagiarism.
- The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education revoked her certificate.
- She is involved in a stock manipulation scandal.
- This marks a significant moment in South Korea's political history.
- Kim's legal troubles may affect her husband's political career.
Seoul, Sep 4 (NationPress) The former first lady of South Korea, Kim Keon Hee, has had her teaching license revoked following the cancellation of her master's degree by a private university earlier this year, as stated by education officials on Thursday.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) has officially annulled Kim's teaching certificate after completing necessary procedures, including a hearing.
Currently detained at the Seoul Southern Detention Centre, Kim did not attend the hearing nor did she provide any written statement, according to officials.
The SMOE has communicated with Kim through the detention facility to review the hearing results and transcripts. The revocation will become final if she chooses not to appeal.
In June, Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul annulled Kim's master's degree from its Graduate School of Education due to accusations of thesis plagiarism. This degree was the basis for her teaching certificate.
Additionally, a special counsel's indictment revealed on Wednesday that Kim Keon Hee was deeply involved in a stock manipulation scheme from 2009 to 2012, countering her previous claims of merely providing funds.
As per the indictment submitted last Friday and reviewed by Yonhap News Agency, Kim, who is married to ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was introduced in 2004 to the chief of Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealer in South Korea, and was aware of stock price manipulations involving Lee Jong-ho, former head of Black Pearl Invest.
The special counsel, Min Joong-ki, stated in the indictment that Kim supported these actions by utilizing her stock accounts, which included amounts of 1.6 billion won (approximately US$1.15 million) and 2 billion won.
On July 5, a Church official met Jeon at a hotel in Seoul and requested him to deliver a bag to Kim, along with a plea for government backing for significant projects, such as establishing a United Nations office in South Korea.
Kim received the bag and the accompanying request soon after, and on July 15, she called the Church official to express her gratitude for the bag and to confirm governmental assistance for the Church, according to the special counsel's team.
The former first lady has been in custody since August 12.
Her indictment last week marks a historic moment as she and her husband are the first former presidential couple to be tried under arrest simultaneously, with Yoon also detained and facing insurrection charges related to a failed martial law attempt in December.
Point of View
It's essential to approach this situation with a balanced perspective. The legal troubles faced by Kim Keon Hee reflect broader issues of accountability and integrity among public officials. While her actions are under scrutiny, it's crucial to navigate this narrative responsibly, ensuring that the facts are presented without bias.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the revocation of Kim Keon Hee's teaching license?
Kim Keon Hee's teaching license was revoked after Sookmyung Women's University canceled her master's degree due to plagiarism allegations.
What are the charges against Kim Keon Hee?
Kim is facing charges related to stock manipulation, with evidence suggesting her active participation in the scheme from 2009 to 2012.
What is the significance of her and her husband's simultaneous arrest?
They are the first former presidential couple in South Korea to be tried while under arrest, highlighting the gravity of the allegations against them.
How did Kim Keon Hee respond to the hearing regarding her teaching license?
Kim did not attend the hearing nor did she submit any opinion statement regarding the revocation of her teaching license.
What are the potential consequences of her indictment?
The indictment may severely impact Kim's public image and legal standing, with possible long-term implications for her and her husband's political future.
