Chinese Ring Busted for Running TOPIK Proxy Test Scheme

A proxy testing ring that pocketed 700 million won by facilitating qualifications for foreign students to work and study in Korea has been busted. Police have detained the broker who arranged the stand-ins and apprehended 112 individuals, including clients and proxy test-takers.

The group charged up to 8 million won per proxy test, with the proceeds split between the ringleader and the brokers. Authorities confirmed that the scheme involved feeding answers from outside the exam hall. The total confirmed profits to date amount to approximately 700 million won.

Kim Seong-ho, head of the International Crime Investigation Unit 1 at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated that investigators confirmed the suspects obtained residency status, acquired academic degrees, and secured employment without legitimate qualifications. The Ministry of Education has notified universities of the police investigation findings and is proceeding with administrative measures, such as degree revocation, for the students involved in the misconduct.