Police investigate former principal of national arts school over alleged 100 million won bribe in teacher hiring

A pansori singer and former principal of a national traditional arts middle and high school is under police investigation over allegations of corruption in teacher hiring.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's anti-corruption unit is investigating the individual, identified only as A, on bribery charges, according to Yonhap News Agency.

A served as principal of the National Traditional Arts Middle and High School in Siheung, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, from 2017 until last year.

A is accused of receiving 100 million won ($64,300) from a teacher identified as B, who was hired as a pansori instructor at the school in November 2024.

Police searched the school and A's residence on June 30 and seized relevant records.

Investigators are also reviewing whether to expand the probe to other teachers hired alongside B during the same recruitment process.