Psychologist Kim Min-ji, known for her Harvard and UCLA doctoral degrees. She was active in writing books, giving lectures, and running a counseling center, but she passed away amid suspicions of academic fraud. We will summarize the entire incident, from the publisher Gilbut’s position to her husband’s Instagram obituary.

1. Harvard Ph.D.? Psychologist Kim Min-ji, the truth behind that name
'A wise parent keeps a proper distance' Author Kim Min-ji, known for her book titled .
He majored in psychology and brain science at Harvard and received a doctorate in clinical psychology from UCLA, and worked as a psychologist.
He built trust by giving lectures at public institutions such as the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, but it was revealed that all of his records were false.

2. No thesis or degree? The whole story of the suspicion of academic fraud
Suspicions grew as posts appeared on online communities claiming that Kim Min-ji's thesis or degree information could not be found.
In the end, Gilbut Publishing admitted that the author's main background was different from the truth.
It was also revealed that the recommendations included in the book by Harvard professor Gardner and others were forged.


When a netizen directly contacted the professor via email, he received the following response: “I have never recommended you.”

3. Closure of the Clinical Psychology Research Institute and SNS

Kim Min-ji was running a private psychological counseling center (Clinical Psychology Research Center) in Dogok-dong, Seoul.
However, after the controversy, all of their social media accounts were made private, and the counseling center was also closed.


As the incident spread, online searches began to track her identity, and eventually all of her activities were halted.

4. The obituary was delivered through the husband's Instagram.
On June 10, 2025, Kim Min-ji was found dead in her home.
The news was made known to the world when a person believed to be her husband posted an obituary on social media.
The funeral home was confirmed to be the funeral hall of Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital.


At the age of 43, he met an unfortunate end amid controversy over his false resume.

5. Announcement of Publisher Gilbut’s Position and Follow-up Measures
The publisher Gilbut admitted through an official statement that the verification of academic background and recommendations was insufficient.
They announced that they would stop selling the book and that they were recalling copies distributed to bookstores.


He stated that he had trusted the author's qualifications and worked with him on the book, but that trust was betrayed as a result.

Q&A

Q. Is psychologist Kim Min-ji actually a Harvard doctor?
No. Both the degree and the letters of recommendation have been revealed to be false through online communities and media reports.

Q. Is the counseling center she ran still open?
No. The Clinical Psychology Research Institute has closed since the controversy.

Q. Where can I see my husband’s obituary on SNS?
Her husband reportedly posted it on Instagram, but the account and post are now set to private.

Q. Can I still buy the book?
Gilbut Publishing has stopped selling the book and is recalling it. It is currently difficult to purchase it even from major online bookstores.

 

 

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