A department head at a high school in South Korea’s Gyeongnam Province faces public punishment after repeatedly sexually assaulting a male student under the guise of private tutoring and other school activities.
Pattern of Grooming and Abuse
The teacher, responsible for special classes, began targeting the student during his freshman year in 2021. Despite the student repeating grades and reaching his sixth year, the assaults continued through pretexts like after-school sessions, operational center visits, vacation private lessons, club activities, and even bag storage areas.
Homeroom teachers provided tutoring framed as personal growth opportunities. In his second semester, a new homeroom teacher assaulted the student during weekly cleaning duties. The perpetrator also exploited involvement in the student’s behavioral improvement projects, group counseling sessions, and national selection presentations.
By his senior year, the teacher lured the student into a dormitory under the arm during nighttime activities, citing anxiety over his role as night duty chief. She rationalized the acts as ‘growth power’ or ‘pure love,’ while the student endured amid fears of anxiety and reputational damage.
Escalation and Reports
The current homeroom teacher issued a sexual self-determination protection report against the department head. The student accused the homeroom teacher of being the ‘sexual offender,’ raising concerns over cooperation and departmental reputation.
In another class, the student performed folk song movements defiantly. The homeroom teacher drafted a note, deeming it improper, and reported fellow teachers to police over concerns.
Official Response
Gyeongnam Office of Education officials stated that despite receiving over 100 complaints including vacation protection committee issues, reentry directions, and reexaminations, the teacher’s unrepentant attitude warrants action. They emphasized publicly punishing the department head and conducting a direct investigation without undue concerns.
“Even without proven damages, strengthening the school protection system through comprehensive staff education is essential,” officials added during a briefing on May 6.
