Parent and Temporary Teacher Receive Reduced Sentences on Appeal for Stealing Exam Papers from Daughter's High School

10 to 20 Letters of Remorse Submitted
Appeals Court: "Considered Defendants' Remorse"

A, a 50-year-old parent indicted on charges including special theft for repeatedly breaking into a high school and stealing exam papers, received a reduced sentence in the appeals trial.

According to Yonhap News, the Daegu District Court Criminal Division 4 (Chief Judge Seong Gijun) overturned the original sentence of four years and six months in prison for A during the appeals trial held on May 29, and instead sentenced A to three years and four months in prison. For B, a temporary teacher in their 30s who was indicted alongside A, the court also overturned the original five-year prison sentence and instead sentenced B to four years and four months in prison, along with an additional order for 31.5 million won in restitution.

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A was indicted for breaking into a high school in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, where their daughter was enrolled, and stealing exam papers. B was indicted for receiving 31.5 million won in exchange for assisting with the crimes on 16 occasions.

Investigations revealed that from 2023 until July last year, they broke into the high school without authorization on 11 occasions and stole midterm and final exam papers on seven occasions. During this period, A's daughter studied using the leaked exam papers in advance and maintained the top rank in the school's academic performance evaluations. The crimes were uncovered on July 4 last year when the school's security system was triggered.

During the appeals trial, A and B submitted 10 to 20 letters of reflection to the court. The court explained, "The crimes damaged the school's exam and administrative systems and fundamentally undermined public trust in education," but added, "However, the defendants' remorse and other circumstances were taken into account" in determining the sentence.

Meanwhile, A's daughter was sentenced in the first trial to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for taking the exams after studying with the stolen papers (obstruction of business by fraudulent means). The school administrative manager, also in their 30s, who was indicted for assisting in the crimes (including aiding and abetting special theft), was sentenced to one year and six months in prison. They either withdrew their appeal or did not file one.

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