Nearly 8 in 10 school violence cases face only mild penalties: report

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- New forms of school violence, including one that forces those bullied into physical fights, are on the rise but many of those responsible for such violence go nearly unpunished, a lawmaker said Monday, citing relevant data from the education ministry.

According to the data submitted to Rep. Han Byung-do of the ruling Democratic Party, 490 cases of such violence have been subject to a review by school disciplinary committees between 2024 and August this year.

A total of 1,961 disciplinary measures were taken against 1,232 students involved, but 77.7 percent, or 1,523, of those measures taken are those considered "light" as they leave no official records of the incidents or their punishment, according to the lawmaker. Such measures include requiring a written apology and orders to keep a distance from victims.

Less than 10 percent, or 193, of the measures involved a suspension or school transfers.

The report comes amid an apparent spread of the so-called yacha rule, where victims are pushed into unwanted physical fights under the guise of mutual agreement.

"There needs to a detailed guideline to determine the level of involvement by organizing, watching, filming or circulating videos of (such fights) so as to identify coercion disguised as consent," Rep. Han said.

Police have warned that the "yacha rule" is a crime regardless of mutual consent, and even with a written agreement.

yusbvtyhtoo@yna.co.kr
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