South Korea audit alleges graft in lucrative cram-school sector

Multibillion-dollar industry faces longstanding questions over fairness

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South Koreans are spending more and more on private education for their children. (Photo by Ahn Seong-bok)

STEVEN BOROWIEC, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- South Korea's state auditor has released findings that point to widespread graft in the cram-school industry, fanning lingering concerns over dark dealings in the multibillion-dollar sector.

The probe results presented Monday by the Board of Audit and Inspection found that public school teachers with access to the country's competitive university entrance exam crafted practice questions based closely on the actual test and then sold them to teachers at private test preparation institutes.

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