The Reality of School Taunting: From Korean Dramas to Real-Life Incidents

In recent years, the issue of school taunting, bullying, and revenge has gained significant attention, particularly in the context of South Korean society. Netflix's 2023 series "The Glory" has captured the global audience's fascination with its intense revenge plot, shedding light on the horrific torment that some students endure during their school years. This article explores the parallel between the dramatic scenes depicted in the show and real-life incidents, highlighting the devastating consequences of unchecked school taunting. It also delves into the consequences of revenge plots, drawing lessons from cases in South Korea and Japan.

The Glory: A Story of Revenge and Resilience

"The Glory" revolves around Tongan, an 18-year-old high school student who, along with other "weaker" students, is subjected to extreme taunting and torment by her wealthy, privileged classmates. These torments include physical assaults, theft, fear tactics, media manipulation, and even the infamous hair curling iron scene, which left permanent scars on Tongan's body. Tongan's determination to bring her tormentors to justice becomes the central theme of the drama, as she seeks to dismantle their lives, just as they did to hers.

Remarkably, the show draws inspiration from real-life events, specifically the Chengju City's schoolgirl case that unfolded in 2006. In this tragic incident, a female student named Kim reported enduring 20 days of torment and torture by her fellow classmates. The torment escalated from verbal abuse to physical assaults, including the use of a hair curling iron to inflict severe burns on Kim's body. Shockingly, Kim had to report the abuse to the police herself, as she received no assistance or support from her school, relatives, or authorities.

The Real-Life Horror of School Taunting

The Chengju City's schoolgirl case mirrors the extreme bullying depicted in "The Glory." Kim's tormentors initially targeted her for not answering their questions, coercing her to bring money daily. The abuse escalated from book-throwing to needle poking, physical beatings with baseball bats, and, ultimately, the hair curling iron burns. The tormentors even forced Kim to rip the scabs healing from her burns as further punishment. Kim's isolation and lack of support from her family and teachers allowed the abuse to persist for nearly three weeks.

It is alarming that teachers and other students failed to intervene or recognize the extent of the abuse. Fear of becoming targets themselves may have silenced potential witnesses, but the lack of intervention by the teachers raises questions about their responsibility and awareness.

Kim's decision to report the abuse eventually led to the identification and arrest of the main perpetrator. Unfortunately, the legal consequences for the tormentors remain unclear due to their status as minors at the time. Despite the passage of 17 years since the incident, many netizens demand justice and accountability for the perpetrators, as well as the teachers who failed to intervene.

Revenge Plots: When Victims Seek Retribution

The concept of revenge, as depicted in "The Glory," sparks a contentious debate. Tongan's unwavering commitment to plotting revenge for years resonates with the real-life case of Asahi in Japan. Asahi, a victim of severe school taunting, spent 12 years planning a revenge plot against his tormentors.

As a young student, Asahi endured physical and emotional abuse, which included being locked in a supply closet, physical assaults, and even forced to drink sewage water. His attempts to seek help from teachers and parents were met with dismissive responses, contributing to his sense of isolation and desperation. Eventually, Asahi quit his job, meticulously planned a school reunion, and intended to poison his former classmates as an act of revenge.

Asahi's mother discovered his plan, leading to his arrest. He received a six-year sentence for his crimes. The case raises complex ethical questions about the boundaries of justice and the enduring trauma experienced by victims of school taunting.

Seeking Justice vs. The Consequences of Revenge

The depiction of revenge in popular media, as seen in "The Glory," may provide catharsis for audiences, but it simplifies the complex nature of school taunting and its long-term effects. While it is essential to acknowledge the pain and suffering of victims, questions about appropriate justice and the potential for redemption must be considered.

In the age of social media, the exposure of perpetrators' past actions can lead to severe consequences, including the destruction of careers and personal lives. In the context of South Korean entertainment, numerous K-pop artists and entertainers have faced expulsion from their groups and tarnished reputations due to allegations of school taunting. However, it is crucial to discern between legitimate cases and false accusations, as sensationalism can create additional victims.

Conclusion

The issue of school taunting, bullying, and revenge is a complex and multifaceted one, as demonstrated by the parallel between the fictional world of "The Glory" and real-life incidents like the Chengju City's schoolgirl case and Asahi's revenge plot. While seeking justice and accountability for tormentors is essential, it is equally vital to consider the potential for rehabilitation and the consequences of exposing past actions in the age of social media.

As society grapples with how to address school taunting and its lasting impact, it is crucial to foster empathy, promote intervention by teachers and peers, and provide support systems for victims. Only by addressing the root causes and offering alternatives to revenge can we hope to create a safer and more compassionate educational environment for future generations.