"After Calling Korean Literature 'Fraud'... The Downfall of a Once 'Prodigy' Author"

"Prodigy Author" Zhang Fangzhou, Published Her First Book at Age 9

Nine Instances of Overlapping Sentences Found in Master's Thesis

Omitted Citations and References Lead to Degree Revocation

Chinese famous author Zhang Fangzhou (37), who previously stirred controversy in Korea with remarks that belittled Korean writers and novels, has had her master's degree revoked following confirmation of thesis plagiarism.

According to the Chinese news outlet The Paper on the 14th, Renmin University of China announced on the previous evening that academic misconduct had been identified in Zhang Fangzhou's master's thesis, and the school had therefore decided to revoke her master's degree.

Chinese famous author Zhang Fangzhou. Baidu

Zhang Fangzhou: "I accept the school's decision... I am sorry"

Subsequently, Zhang Fangzhou stated on her Weibo account, "I accept the school's decision," and apologized, saying, "I apologize to the readers who were shocked and disappointed by this incident. I also offer my sincere apologies to my academic advisor who received disciplinary action because of this matter."

Earlier, the Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that new claims of academic misconduct had been filed regarding the master's thesis of Zhang Fangzhou, a 2019 graduate of Renmin University of China’s School of Literature. Initially, Renmin University had concluded that no academic misconduct had been found following plagiarism allegations raised by Professor Xiao Ying of Tsinghua University. However, after the new claims were received, the university initiated a reinvestigation.

The investigation found that there were 9 instances in Zhang Fangzhou's master's thesis where passages overlapped with a foreign academic journal article. These passages were not properly cited, and the sources were not listed in the references section.

In accordance with the regulations stipulated in the "Measures for the Prevention and Handling of Academic Misconduct in Higher Education" and the "Degree Law of the People's Republic of China," the university determined Zhang Fangzhou’s actions constituted academic misconduct and decided to revoke her master's degree.

Renmin University of China stated, "In light of this incident, we will further strengthen the academic atmosphere, continuously improve thesis quality control and research ethics education, and firmly uphold the rigor and authority of academic standards."

Published a collection of essays at age 9... Recognized as a "prodigy girl writer"

Zhang Fangzhou began writing at the age of 7 and published a collection of essays titled "Open Skylight" at age 9, gaining recognition as a "prodigy girl writer." She published more than eight books during her teenage years, and in 2008, she was admitted to Tsinghua University through a special admission program in recognition of her outstanding literary talent. Her notable works include "In Development," "Chronicle of Youth," "Look at My Side," "I am an Animal," and "Protagonist." In 2009, she won the Prose Award at the 7th People's Literature Award, a prestigious honor in the Chinese literary community.

At a book launch for her new novel in July 2006, she caused controversy in Korea by disparaging Korean internet fiction author Guiyeoni (real name Lee Yunse), claiming that the author was far inferior to her own ability, and by making comments to the effect that the essence of Korean Wave novels was "fraud."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.