Police Investigating 10 Cases of Coercion for Medical Students to Skip Classes... "Zero-Tolerance Policy Applied"

The National Police Agency announced on May 5 that it is currently investigating a total of 10 cases related to coercion of medical students to skip classes and the posting of critical messages online this year. Of these, two individuals have been referred to the prosecution, and five have been apprehended.

Yonhap News

Recently, despite the fact that the majority of students wish to return to classes ahead of the deadlines for academic probation or expulsion from medical schools, acts of coercion preventing students from returning to class and collective online bullying continue to occur.

As the deadline approaches for universities to finalize and submit lists of students subject to academic probation or expulsion, some student councils have been found to be organizing meetings to pressure students not to attend classes or to draft resolutions refusing to attend classes.

The police plan to respond strictly, applying a zero-tolerance policy to collective online bullying, including the disclosure of lists of returning medical students, coercion to skip classes, and defamation on online communities.

A police official stated, "Taking into account the seriousness and sensitivity of these cases, we plan to assign them to the cybercrime investigation units and public crime investigation units of the city and provincial police agencies for swift investigation." The official added, "If it is confirmed that a specific organization or group is systematically involved or is directing illegal activities from behind the scenes, we will pursue arrest investigations and take appropriate measures to hold those responsible accountable."