Wando Exam Paper Leak "How Can We Prepare for University?" Students Suffer in Silence

Wando A High School, embroiled in controversy over exam paper leaks and sexual harassment allegations

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Due to the wrongful misconduct of a teacher who caused issues with test paper leaks and sexual harassment allegations in Wando, Jeollanam-do, only the students have borne the full brunt of the damage.

According to the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency on the 28th, A (47), a teacher who teaches English at a high school in Wando, was under police investigation for leaking test papers. It was later revealed that A was also being investigated for sexual harassment, leaving the education authorities in shock.

It is known that Teacher A sent several private KakaoTalk messages to Ms. B, to whom he leaked the test papers, engaging in behavior that constitutes sexual harassment. Feeling psychological pressure, Ms. B confided her difficulties to a counseling teacher, who then requested an investigation from the Wando Police Station on the 11th.

When the police began their investigation, Teacher A used sick leave as an excuse to avoid coming to school, and later the fact of the final exam paper leak was uncovered. Due to Teacher A’s irresponsible actions, the damage fell entirely on the students.

In particular, with the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) approaching, Teacher A, who was the head of the academic affairs department, resigned, and suddenly another teacher took full responsibility, causing distress and suffering among the school’s third-year high school students and their parents.

A student at the school said, “There is already a rumor among students that ‘Teacher A’s test paper leaks and sexual harassment have been frequent for a long time,’ creating a restless atmosphere,” adding, “I occasionally saw Teacher A holding female students’ hands, linking arms, or putting his arm around their shoulders, but I thought it was just a friendly gesture, so this is shocking.”

He continued, “The CSAT is right around the corner, but Teacher A caused problems and disappeared, so only the students who studied hard are going to suffer. This incident has destroyed trust in the school,” expressing his upset feelings.

The Jeonnam Office of Education visited the school on the 16th to conduct an audit, adjusted the internal grades of all students through the school’s academic performance management committee, and dismissed Teacher A from his position on the 28th. The audit team plans to refer Teacher A to the disciplinary committee and decide on disciplinary action after three months.

An official from the Office of Education said, “It is regrettable that only the innocent students suffered due to the teacher’s misconduct, which goes against common sense,” adding, “Teacher A is expected to receive a severe disciplinary action (dismissal, removal, or suspension). The final decision on criminal charges will be made after the police investigation is complete.”