Buniel Art High School Special Audit… Entrance Exam Cartel Allegations Revealed

As a result of a special audit by the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education on Buniel Art High School (Buniel Arts High School), where three current students died simultaneously last June, signs of collusion between the school and certain external dance academies were confirmed.

However, no direct clues to the causes of the students' deaths were revealed during this audit.

According to the education office on the 27th, Principal A of Buniel Art High School colluded with heads of specific dance academies to exert influence and prevent students from transferring to other academies.

During the audit, testimonies from teachers were secured stating that Principal A had verbally abused a student who transferred to another academy. The education office is focusing on the possibility that the colluding academies guaranteed profits of at least several tens of millions of won through lesson fees and competition entry fees.

Verification of Principal and Administrative Head Misconduct Continues

The special audit also revealed that Principal A led the repeated hiring of specific instructors, who conducted illegal private lessons with students. It is known that a teacher who raised these issues faced disadvantages, such as being excluded from classes.

The education office confirmed that Principal A received a department store gift certificate worth 500,000 won along with several million won for compensation and snack expenses in exchange for providing benefits to the academies.

There were even testimonies that students pooled money to cover the cost of Principal A's bag. Additionally, it was disclosed that over the past three years, Principal A purchased school souvenirs worth 6.5 million won from a company where his daughter is affiliated, violating the private school action guideline.

Separately, Administrative Head B was investigated for falsely fabricating meeting minutes and unlawfully receiving more than 10 million won in excess overtime pay and bonuses. The education office plans to file a complaint against both individuals with the police and request severe disciplinary actions such as dismissal or termination from the school corporation.

Student Psychological Stabilization Task Force Launched… 26 Individuals Subject to Administrative Action

In this audit, a total of 26 individuals, including 14 faculty members, 3 instructors, and 7 administrative staff, are subject to administrative action for misconduct related to academic operations and educational programs. Steps are also being taken to recover approximately 80 million won in improperly received allowances.

A representative from the education office stated, "We are launching a task force for student psychological stabilization to prepare support measures," and "We plan to newly appoint 7 temporary directors for the school corporation to normalize the budget review and deliberation process and prevent autocracy."

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