For first time, South Korea’s president pulls cabinet nominee amid plagiarism row
There had been mounting concerns over Lee Jin-sook’s fitness to lead the public education system amid plagiarism allegations
In contrast, the presidential office signalled that gender equality minister nominee Kang Sun-woo, who has also faced public scrutiny over a series of workplace abuse allegations, would be appointed as planned.
“After comprehensive reviews and consultations with leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties, President Lee has decided to withdraw the nomination of Lee Jin-sook,” presidential secretary for political affairs Woo Sang-ho said during a press conference at the presidential office in Seoul.
“We urge the National Assembly to respect the president’s decision and take prompt follow-up measures.”
The former president of Chungnam National University had faced criticism over allegations that she plagiarised a former student’s thesis. However, she denied the claim, saying media reports were based on a misunderstanding of the academic context.
She was also under scrutiny over suspected legal violations in the process of sending her daughter to study abroad.
Citing these issues, the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) strongly denounced her as unfit for the ministerial post.