A shocking scandal has emerged from South Korea after a mother and a former teacher were arrested for allegedly attempting to steal high school exam papers in a pre-dawn break-in. The incident has rocked the school and led to the expulsion of the student involved, despite her previously impeccable academic record.
Security Alarm Foils Theft Attempt
On July 4, at around 1:20am, a 48-year-old woman and a 31-year-old former teacher allegedly broke into a high school in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province. According to local media, their goal was to gain access to exam papers stored in the faculty office on the third floor.
Although the teacher had resigned in February 2024, she reportedly still had fingerprint access to the school building. The pair managed to enter the premises using this biometric access. However, while attempting to retrieve the papers, they triggered the school’s security alarm and were forced to flee the scene.
The teacher was arrested shortly after the failed break-in and formally detained on July 14 following a pre-trial hearing. The mother and a school facilities manager, who is believed to have assisted the pair, were arrested a day later.
Two-Year Cheating Scheme Allegedly Funded by S$18,500
Further investigations revealed that this was not an isolated incident. The teacher reportedly confessed to having stolen or photographed exam papers since 2023 for the student’s mother. It is alleged that she received a total of 20 million won—approximately S$18,500—in exchange for the stolen materials over the past two years.
Authorities believe this scheme may have significantly contributed to the student’s consistent top scores. Notably, the teacher was also illegally tutoring the student privately, a violation of South Korean regulations that prohibit such arrangements between current or former school staff and students.
It was also discovered that the former teacher had accessed school facilities at least seven times after her resignation, mostly coinciding with exam periods.
Daughter Expelled Despite Academic Excellence
As the investigation unfolded, the school took swift action by expelling the 18-year-old student, who had consistently ranked first in her class since enrolling. Her academic records and test scores were invalidated entirely.
The teacher and the student’s mother have been charged with trespassing and interfering with school operations, while the school employee involved faces accusations of aiding theft and unlawful entry.
This incident has sparked nationwide outrage, particularly regarding the pressure students and parents face in South Korea’s fiercely competitive education system. Netizens expressed concern over the growing trend of academic dishonesty and the intense drive for top grades at any cost.
The case continues to unfold, with legal proceedings set to take place in the coming weeks. As it stands, the reputations of all involved have been irreparably damaged, and the school community is left grappling with the aftermath of a scandal that highlights the darker side of academic ambition.