The issue of school violence shines a spotlight on the role of parents and lawyers in aggravating the problem. Although it is common for elementary school students to move on and become friends again after incidents of violence, parents tend to get involved and transform the situation into a legal battle for money and control. Parents often come to the school accompanied by a lawyer, and it has become a generally accepted process that the result of the case will be decided by how much money is put into legal proceedings. This pattern is especially prominent in school districts with high education fervor, where legal services that specialize in school violence have been established. The presence of lawyers during these disputes adds an additional layer of complexity to the already difficult situation, as it can lead to a sense of competition between parents who are willing to invest more resources into the case. This not only increases the financial burden on the school district, but also results in heightened tensions and further animosity between both sides. Furthermore, with the rise of “lawyer-parent” alliances, the problem of school violence is in danger of becoming an even more serious issue.
In recent years, the issue of school violence in South Korea has become a complicated concern. Unfortunately, many teachers have been hesitant to take active measures to address this issue for fear of being accused of human rights violations. In some cases, teachers who have attempted to protect victims have even been put on trial for child abuse. As a result, some teachers have taken to recording the investigation process in order to protect themselves.
This issue is highly complex, and involves multiple parties, including students, parents, lawyers, and teachers. It highlights the need for a comprehensive and cautious approach to addressing the issue that takes into account the perspectives and interests of all parties involved. This is especially true when it comes to protecting the rights of victims of school violence, as well as ensuring that due process is adhered to when dealing with bullies. It is important to recognize that this is not an issue that can be solved with a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather requires a collaborative effort from all parties.
Schools should also strive to create a safe and supportive environment for their students, where they can report any incidents of violence without fear of reprisal. This should include providing access to counseling services for victims, and ensuring that bullies are held accountable for their actions. Furthermore, teachers must also be provided with the necessary training and resources to identify and address any signs of school violence, and be supported in their efforts to protect victims. Ultimately, the issue of school violence requires a thoughtful and collaborative approach from all parties in order to ensure that students are safe and protected.
Jeong Soon-shin, who was recently appointed head of the National Investigation Headquarters, expressed his resignation as his son’s school violence case was reported in the media on the eve of his inauguration on February 25, 2023. Jeong’s appointment was later cancelled due to the media reports.