Over 100 school officials likely to be fired for graft

More than 100 principals and other education officials in Seoul and adjacent districts face dismissals for bribery and other irregularities, investigators said Sunday,

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it will be notifying local education boards this week of their probe results on 156 officials, most of whom are suspected of having taken bribes. Investigators said at least 57 of the officials under investigation are likely to be fired.

The Seoul education board has another 40 or so officials it is prepared to dismiss.

Much of the bribery was exchanged when schools were choosing contractors for construction, student excursions and after-school activities, investigators said. Those who received more than 5 million won ($4,000) would be referred to the prosecution for indictment, they said.

The government adopted what is called a "one strike-out" system in April to immediately dismiss officials from their public posts if they are found to have accepted bribes or embezzled money, regardless of the amounts involved.