Police Conduct Search and Seizure at Hadong Seodang Amid 'Violence' Allegations... Some Evidence Confiscated

A Seodang in Hadong, Gyeongnam, where violence issues have arisen
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The Women’s Investigation Unit of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency announced on the 16th that it conducted a search and seizure of two Hadong Seodang (traditional village schools) recently accused of repeated violence.

The police reportedly confiscated some evidence, including student rosters and the cane sticks used by Seodang officials to discipline students.

So far, the police have received six assault complaints involving students and Seodang officials, including one titled "Additional Assault Victim at Hadong Jirisan Cheonghakdong Dormitory," which was posted on the national petition board on the 29th of last month.

In addition, a joint investigation involving more than 20 personnel from Hadong County and the Gyeongnam Provincial Office of Education has begun to conduct a full survey of the Seodang to identify further victims. Except for minor disputes or conflicts among students that can be resolved internally by the school violence committee, the police plan to launch a full investigation upon receiving requests for investigation into additional damages.

Earlier, the police arrested a teenager on charges of habitual assault and extortion for repeatedly assaulting juniors at the Seodang, including grabbing a junior’s hair and pushing them into a toilet.