[On-site Video] "Don't Cut Them Any Slack Because They're Young!" Horrific 'Hakpok'... Citizens' Reactions

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Lee Kyung-do] "They must be severely punished!", "We absolutely cannot let this slide!"

A horrific case of school violence occurred in broad daylight on a street. Near a building parking lot in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province, a video suspected of showing school violence and group bullying has spread online, prompting citizens to raise their voices in criticism.

The 16-second video shows a male student grabbing a victim from behind and choking him. Additionally, a female student smoking a cigarette appears to be touching the victim’s vital body parts.

The other students present watched without any intervention. The video was recorded by a citizen from a car parked across the street. The police are currently investigating the detailed circumstances of the incident.

Citizens unanimously called for strict punishment. Mr. A, a man in his 60s met near Cheonggyecheon in Seoul, criticized, "These days, students use violence as if it’s normal and don’t feel any guilt."

He added, "If parents had properly taught character education from an early age, such incidents wouldn’t happen. Because the punishments are weak, they don’t feel guilty. If the law is enforced more strictly and harsh punishments are given, I think it would raise awareness."

Mr. B, a worker in his 20s, said, "I believe adults stepping in to guide children is the right approach." He continued, "It is important for teachers and those around to instill the right mindset, and school violence should be punished severely to prevent it from happening again."

Another citizen, Mr. C, emphasized, "This should never happen. If we excuse them because they are young, they won’t reflect and will repeat it, so they must be punished without mercy to learn their lesson."