Education Ministry launches audit into Incheon National University over alleged admissions collusion
Published: 06 Feb. 2026, 21:23
Updated: 07 Feb. 2026, 10:37
![Incheon National University's (INU) Songdo campus [INCHEON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/02/07/8b33afa2-e1f3-4bd2-aeb5-cb703807743a.jpg)
Incheon National University's (INU) Songdo campus [INCHEON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]
The Ministry of Education has launched an audit into allegations that professors had colluded over student admissions results at Incheon National University.
“The ministry takes the matter seriously and will immediately proceed with an on-site audit to verify the facts,” the Education Ministry said in a statement. “If any admissions irregularities are confirmed, we will take strong action against those involved.”
The ministry added it would also review possible institutional improvements to prevent similar cases.
The allegations center on an interview for the Department of Urban Engineering’s early admissions track for the 2026 school year, held in November 2025, according to the education sector. The university is conducting its own internal audit.
The case drew attention after audio recordings obtained by Rep. Kang Kyung-sook of the minor liberal Rebuilding Korea Party were made public. The recordings include what appears to be one professor recommending a specific applicant for entry to another professor during the interview process.
In the recording, a professor refers to the applicant in question — known as “No. 4” — saying they have a high school grade-point average in the “4.4 range.” Another professor is heard responding, “Mark No. 4 as well,” highlighting alleged influence in the colleague's decision.
In response, the professor reviewing No. 4's record asks, “Is 4.4 even acceptable?” The other professor replies, “That’s not bad. If you’re going to go by grades, why have a self-recommendation track?”
The applicant reportedly went on to be admitted. The interview was part of the comprehensive admissions process based on student. A total of 159 applicants competed for 13 slots, and 39 candidates advanced to interviews.
For the same admissions track for the 2025 school year, the average high school grade point of final registrants to the department was tallied at 3.88, according to the education sector.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY LEE BO-RAM [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)