Kwon Oh-joong: 'My son bled from his neck due to school violence; it kills parents too'

The harrowing account by actor Kwon Oh-joong of his son's experience with severe school bullying is a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of violence in South Korean schools. Kwon's detailed description of his son being physically assaulted, forced to crawl, and even injured by broken glass from a window, paints a grim picture of the torment endured. The fact that the perpetrators, initially denying their actions, later confessed out of fear of police investigation, only adds to the disturbing nature of the events.

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When my son went to middle school, he refused to go to school. He said someone hit him in the stomach.

What makes Kwon's testimony particularly impactful is his raw emotion and the deep pain he expresses. He speaks not only of the physical harm but also the psychological damage inflicted upon his son and the immense suffering it caused to his family. His statement, 'True school violence kills the parents too,' resonates deeply, reflecting the helplessness and anguish parents feel when their children are targeted. This sentiment is widely shared among parents in South Korea, where academic pressure and social hierarchies can sometimes create toxic environments for young students.

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I went to meet the child who hit him. I asked, 'Did you hit Hyuk-joon?' and he replied, 'What? Sir, Madam. I play so well with Hyuk-joon.'

Kwon's story also sheds light on the systemic issues surrounding school bullying. The description of a ringleader being transferred to another school while others faced minimal consequences, and the subsequent ostracization of his son by other students, highlights the inadequacy of current measures to prevent and address such incidents effectively. The actor's hope that his son, who now works as an artist after graduating, can live a normal life, is a poignant wish that underscores the long-lasting impact of bullying. This is a story that goes beyond celebrity; it's a deeply human one that demands our attention and empathy.

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Later, I received a call saying my child was injured and needed to go to the emergency room. When I went to the school, my son was bleeding from his neck.