The Unraveling of an Education Scandal

A sweeping investigation by the National Police Agency’s National Investigation Headquarters has exposed a potential “private education cartel” involving current teachers, prominent instructors, and private education companies.The probe, lasting a year and eight months, culminated in the referral of 100 individuals to the prosecution.

Key Players and allegations

The individuals implicated include 72 current teachers, 11 lecturers, representatives from 3 well-known private education companies, and several high-profile instructors, including those known as “one-stroke instructors.” The core allegation revolves around the creation and trading of SAT questions,possibly violating the Anti-Solicitation Act. Authorities allege that 47 teachers and 19 private education companies were involved in the illicit exchange.

Financial Incentives and Systemic Issues

The investigation uncovered a significant flow of funds, with teachers allegedly receiving a total of ₩4.86 billion (approximately $3.6 million USD) over four years, starting in 2019, for selling SAT questions. Furthermore, some teachers, acting as SAT reviewers, were reportedly paid between ₩100,000 and ₩500,000 (approximately $75 to $375 USD) per question for their contributions to the “question production team.”

This scandal highlights a potential systemic issue within the South Korean education system, where the pressure to succeed on the SAT can create opportunities for corruption and unethical behavior. The intense competition for university entrance fuels a lucrative private education market, making it vulnerable to such schemes.

Impact on the SAT and Educational Integrity

The implications of this scandal extend beyond financial gain. The integrity of the SAT, a crucial component of university admissions in South Korea, is now under question. The alleged leaks and trading of questions undermine the fairness and validity of the exam, potentially disadvantaging students who do not have access to these illicit resources.

In a related incident, five high school teachers involved in administering exams are also under investigation for alleged disruptions. The 2023 SAT english question 23 was also subject to scrutiny due to similarities with mock tests from a private academy. While the police found no direct connection between the professor who created the question and the instructor at the academy, the Korea Institute of Curriculum and Evaluation is criticized for failing to adequately verify for ‘duplicate’ content with private textbooks.

Moving Forward: Addressing Systemic Vulnerabilities

The prosecution’s involvement signals a commitment to holding those responsible accountable. However, addressing the root causes of this “private education cartel” requires a broader effort to reform the South Korean education system. This includes strengthening oversight of private education companies, improving the security and integrity of the SAT, and reducing the intense pressure on students to achieve high scores.

The current situation echoes similar concerns raised globally about standardized testing and the potential for inequity. For example, in the United States, debates continue regarding the fairness and accessibility of the SAT and ACT, with some universities opting to make these tests optional for admissions.