Filmed in Songdo, Incheon Last Year
Controversy Grows Despite Perpetrator's Apology
A video showing middle school girls assaulting a classmate has been released on social media, fueling controversy over school violence. On May 3, the Yeonsu Police Station in Incheon announced that it had launched an investigation into the incident.
The controversial video, titled "Incheon Songdo 2011-born School Violence Video," was posted on Instagram and is 1 minute and 39 seconds long. The video, which is believed to have been filmed in November of last year, clearly shows a female middle school student repeatedly slapping another student of the same age across the face.
In the video, the perpetrator, referred to as Student A, slapped the victim, Student B, a total of seven times with both hands, alternating between them, in what appears to be an outdoor apartment parking lot. Despite B repeatedly pleading, "I'm sorry, please stop," A continued the assault and hurled severe verbal abuse as well.
What shocked viewers even more was the reaction of the surrounding students. Rather than intervening, the students present at the scene either watched the assault while laughing or focused on recording the video.
As the video spread, online communities began sharing the real name and contact information of Student A, who was identified as the perpetrator. In response, A commented on the Instagram post, stating, "It was something I did last year when I was immature, and I have been deeply reflecting on it ever since."
A further stated, "Although the victim has forgiven me, I know I must have left an indelible scar," and added, "I will come to my senses and quietly accept my punishment." However, public outrage has not subsided despite A's explanation.
The police are working to identify both the perpetrator and the victim based on the video and reports received, and are investigating the full circumstances of the incident. An official from Yeonsu Police Station stated, "We will conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with proper procedures."
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