School Bullying in South Korea
Sending our beloved children off to school should be a gesture filled with love and trust. But what happens when the very institution meant to nurture and protect them turns into a nightmare? In South Korea, a growing wave of bullying cases has cast a dark shadow over the education system. This article delves into one such case, where an actress famous for playing a bully on screen is now accused of being a real-life tormentor during her school days.
The Troubling Reality of School Bullying
In South Korea, many students have had to endure relentless bullying, leading some to drop out mid-academic year due to the unbearable torment they face. Parents entrust schools with the safety and well-being of their children, believing it to be a sanctuary. However, the persistence of bullying incidents suggests that something is deeply wrong within the education system.
Class Disparity and Social Hierarchy: The Underlying Issue
The root of this problem lies in class disparity and social hierarchy, which plays a significant role in determining whether students are held accountable for their actions. While bullying is unequivocally wrong, it remains a painful reality for many victims. Even more concerning is the fact that some bullies go on to hold esteemed positions in society, concealing their cruel pasts.
Kim Hieora’s School Controversy
Recently, Dispatch, a South Korean news outlet, exposed actress Kim Hieora’s alleged involvement in a school gang during her time at Sanji Girls’ Middle School in Wonju, Gangwon. The gang, known as “Big Sanji,” was notorious for blackmail, assault, and verbal attacks. However, Kim Hieora denies direct involvement, insisting that she was merely a bystander.
Understanding Kim Hieora’s School Days
Born on March 18, 1989, Kim Hieora attended S Girls’ Middle School in Wonju, Gangwon. In many schools, students are divided into categories: those who fit into the studious, athletic, or popular boxes and those deemed “outcasts.” It is often the latter group that becomes the target of bullying.
Kim Hieora explained that she chose to associate with Big Sanji to avoid becoming a target herself. She believed that by aligning with the bullies, she could protect herself from negative attention.
Victim Testimonies Speak Volumes
Anonymous victims interviewed by Dispatch shared their harrowing experiences. One former student, identified as B, revealed, “At the school, there was a group named Big Sangji. They took money from people and gave it to the oldest in the group. They would yell at you and hit you if you didn’t have money. Kim Hieora was in this group too.”
Another student, identified as C, disclosed, “The online community (Big Sangji) was just for bullies. They would suddenly ask us for money and use it to buy cigarettes and alcohol and sing at karaoke. Also, they used the money to buy gifts for their boyfriends. They wouldn’t stop bothering you if you didn’t give them the money.”
Kim Hieora’s Defense
Kim Hieora acknowledged that her behavior in middle school was less than exemplary. She confessed to being part of Big Sanji’s online group but maintained that she was a passive member. In an official statement, she said, “I may have been hanging around with Big Sangji. At the time, the older kids would hit me for no reason, but I had never hit my friends or the younger kids.”
She expressed remorse for her inaction and noted, “Looking back, I see that standing by and doing nothing was a big mistake for me.”
The Gravity of Bullying in South Korea
Bullying in South Korea is a grave issue that demands immediate attention. Cases have surged, with a staggering 31,130 incidents reported in 2019, doubling the number from 2013. These cases encompass physical violence, verbal abuse, detention, extortion, coercion, threats, and even sexual violence.
Lack of Consequences Fuels the Problem
One key factor contributing to the rise in bullying is the lack of severe consequences for perpetrators. Shockingly, in many cases, students are merely asked to write an apology letter or attend special education or psychotherapy sessions. Expulsion or transfer is a rare occurrence, allowing bullies to believe they are untouchable.
The Need for Change
South Korea has witnessed the exposure of bullying incidents involving celebrities, including actors, TV hosts, and K-pop idols. While some have faced consequences, a more profound reform is needed at the grassroots level to address the pervasive issue of bullying.
The case of Kim Hieora raises important questions: Is she genuinely innocent, as she claims to be? Or is she culpable for her association with bullies during her school days? The truth remains shrouded in controversy.
In a society where schools should nurture and protect the young, it is disheartening to see the prevalence of bullying. As we confront this issue, we must remember that every child deserves a safe and supportive learning environment.