‘We torment others’: the dark side of South Korean school life

Government vows to end school violence as experts say bullying methods have become more malicious

Clutching an iron hair curler radiating scorching heat, a schoolgirl torments a classmate in a desolate school gymnasium.

The curler sizzles raw flesh, as the camera pans to show scars on the victim's body.

This scene from The Glory, an audacious South Korean drama that achieved global success, shows viewers the depth of the country's school bullying epidemic.

While some critics have panned The Glory for its deeply disturbing scenes, some of which are based on true events – including the use of a hair curler – the drama's unapologetic depiction of pervasive school violence has resonated within South Korean society, reigniting calls for action to address the issue.

The latest government figures show cases of school violence and bullying have surged in the last decade in South Korea. In February, President Yoon Suk-yeol vowed to end school violence and the government has moved to ensure bullying records must be more prominently reflected when applying to university.

Yet teacher organisations argue that the efforts are insufficient and that more emphasis should be placed on preventing children from becoming bullies in the first place.

Keumjoo Kwak, a psychology professor at Seoul National University, says that cases of school violence and bullying in South Korea reflect the dynamics of the collectivist society, where peer pressure plays a significant role in shaping behaviour.

"We form a group and torment others. The victims may be ostracised by an entire class or even by the whole school," Kwak told the Guardian.

"The bullying entails persistent and repeated harm over time, which is frequently psychological or emotional."

She says school bullying and school violence have always existed in South Korea, but the methods used have become more sophisticated and malicious, imitating scenes from films and using social media to spread the harm.

Bullying can have a severe impact on an individual.

Lee Sang-woo, an elementary school teacher and director at the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU), says that school violence and bullying can significantly lower a student's self-esteem and result in social isolation and increased levels of depression and anxiety.

"Victims often believe they cannot resolve the problem of school bullying, which negatively affects their physical and mental health. It can lead to academic decline and long-term avoidance of attending school, or even dropping out," Lee told the Guardian.

A recent study of university students who had experienced school violence found that more than half had considered suicide.

Kwak says the competitive and high-pressure environment many students in South Korea face can intensify the problem of bullying.

She says students are subjected to intense academic pressure and long hours of studying, primarily centred on university entrance exams. This creates a highly competitive, hierarchical, and monotonous environment devoid of physical activities to expend energy – and that can lead to some individuals bullying others "as a source of amusement".

Taking action against violence and bullying can be difficult, but for those who do, the struggle can be long, with one in three victims unable to get any help. The number of legal disputes involving school violence has doubled in the last two years; accused bullies filed the majority of them.

A recent controversy involving lawyer Chung Sun-sin and his son's bullying case attracted widespread attention in South Korea. The son was accused of verbally abusing a high school peer and was ordered to transfer schools.

After it was reported that Chung had used his position as a senior prosecutor and legal expert to try to reverse disciplinary action against his son, his appointment as National Office of Investigation director was withdrawn.

The Chung Sun-sin scandal is not an isolated incident, and is part of a broader trend of #MeToo-style bullying revelations that have emerged over the last few years.

The accusers, often anonymous, expose the bullying of their alleged abusers, especially when those individuals are celebrities or hold influential positions. A recent case involved the contract termination of K-pop rookie Kim Ga-ram with girl group Le Sserafim after school bullying allegations appeared online.

The director of The Glory, Ahn Gil-ho, also became embroiled in such shaming after anonymous allegations of school violence surfaced online. He later admitted to it and apologised.

As part of moves to stamp out school violence, lawmakers are considering amendments to relevant laws to ensure prompt resolution of school bullying cases.

The government has also announced the inclusion of bullying records in regular university admissions and enhanced support for victims.

Teacher groups have mostly welcomed the efforts but say more needs to be done to restore relationships between students.

In a statement, the Korean Federation of Teachers Union emphasised the importance of educational solutions over punitive measures, including the creation of specialised institutions for perpetrators and education for their parents.

The Korean Federation of Teachers Associations called for compensation for teachers dealing with cases of school violence and a more nuanced approach according to each school's situation.

Kwak at Seoul National University says victims and perpetrators must be supported to address the problem.

"Victims need counselling and support to overcome their trauma. Perpetrators need to be held accountable for their actions but also given the opportunity to change. If we leave them as they are, they will continue to harm others as adults."

Lee from the KTU says that building a trusting relationship that encourages students to tell their teachers about bullying and periodically patrolling the school premises will help.

Kwak also points to preventive education from a young age and the need to teach empathy, cooperation, and respect for others.

"Without implementing such measures, South Korea will continue to face dreadful cases of school violence every year."

International helplines can be found at befrienders.org. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.