10:1 Group Assault at High School, Previous School Violence Victims Also Reported

Gyeongnam Office of Education Conducts Fact-Finding Investigation and Special Audit

Thorough Survey of Dormitory-Operating Schools and Prompt Follow-Up Actions

Recently, at a high school in Gyeongnam Province, where 10 students from the 2nd and 3rd grades collectively assaulted a freshman for "speaking arrogantly," it was revealed that school violence had also occurred in the past.

The Gyeongnam Office of Education announced on the 27th that, as a result of a comprehensive survey on school violence conducted among all students at the school, some respondents reported having experienced school violence in the past.

The provincial education office explained that, in order to thoroughly investigate the matter and prevent recurrence, a full survey was conducted on all students at the school on the 23rd.

Gyeongnam Office of Education.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

According to the provincial education office, the survey results showed that six current students said they had heard stories of school violence perpetrated by senior graduates in the past.

Three current students responded that they had directly suffered from school violence.

Based on the responses, the provincial education office requested a police investigation to verify the facts of the school violence.

Regarding the school in question, a special audit will be conducted to accurately confirm the circumstances of unrecognized school violence, as well as any concealment or minimization.

Taking this incident as an opportunity, when conducting school violence surveys at schools operating dormitories, efforts will be made to increase student participation and response rates, closely review the responses, and promptly implement necessary follow-up measures.

▲ Strengthening patrols during vulnerable times by dormitory life supervisors ▲ Installing safety bells between dormitory rooms and the dormitory supervisor’s office ▲ Introducing an early detection online system ▲ Holding parent open house events for dormitory facilities ▲ Regularizing dormitory group meetings.

Song Ho-chan, Director of the Democratic Citizenship Education Division, said, “We will strive to create an environment and culture where students can live safely in dormitories.”