on in its history, the school experienced rapid growth; however, this was disrupted by the economic aftershocks of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, during which student numbers dropped from 250 to 190. Staff layoffs and bribery investigation In June 2006, the Korean International School's managing organisation, the Korean Residents' Association, was investigated by the Independent Commission Against Corruption; their office was searched, and one staff member was charged with having received HK$100,000 in bribes related to the renegotiation of a real estate management company's contract and sentenced to eight months' imprisonment. Local Koreans felt shaken by the investigations and expressed their loss of confidence, some committed suicide in the managing organisation as a result. Back in 2004, KIS terminated 26 staff in what they described as a "drastic restructuring" of their curriculum. Then-principal Steven Kim says the teachers were not fired but instead laid off with four months notice; the teachers in question disputed this, claiming instead that they had not been told of the decision until late in the year. Parents in the Korean community were unhappy with the sudden changes and chose to transfer their children to other schools as a result. They expressed frustration that they were not consulted regarding a matter involving so many staff; of particular concern to them was the removal of Doug Anderson, former head of the school's English section. Anderson was sent on "extended home leave" and replaced by Taras Kozyra. 2016 corruption scandal In December 2016, The Korean International School of Hong Kong was discovered to have embezzled South Korean government subsidies, amendment of articles of incorporation, and appropriation of certain funding by board members. This highlighted a lack of transparency among school leadership, with the Chairman, board members and some employees using embezzled money for their own personal use instead of educational purposes. Eventually, those involved were subjected to disciplinary actions. See also Koreans in Hong Kong Consulate General of South Korea in Hong Kong References External links School Website Bailey, M.R. "Discussion on Learning English" - An article by an English teacher at the school published in Wednesday Journal (a newspaper for Koreans in Hong Kong) International schools in Hong Kong Primary schools in Hong Kong Secondary schools in Hong Kong Korean international schools in China Korean international schools in Asia 1994 establishments in Hong Kong Educational institutions established in 1994 Sai Wan Ho Hong Kong–South Korea relations