Taiwanese legislator Kuo Yu-ching reflects on 'Iron Kid Education,' calls schools a 'battlefield'

Taiwanese legislator and former actress Kuo Yu-ching has weighed in on the popular Korean drama "Iron Kid Education," which has sparked widespread discussion in Taiwan for its portrayal of school bullying, teacher-student conflicts, and political family involvement in campus disputes.

Kuo, who previously starred as "Teacher Wan" in the classic Taiwanese drama "Spicy Teacher," shared her thoughts after watching several episodes. She acknowledged that while the drama's depiction of school conflicts is heightened for dramatic effect, the underlying problems are a genuine reality in educational settings.

"The school depicted in the drama is simply like a battlefield," Kuo remarked. She observed that the bullying and conflicts shown deeply harm students, parents, and teachers, leading to a crisis of trust. When trust and understanding erode in schools, she explained, the environment becomes a battlefield where everyone is wounded.

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The school depicted in the drama is simply like a battlefield.

To address these issues, Kuo stressed the importance of "zero tolerance for bullying and perfecting protection mechanisms." She advocated for establishing more immediate, safe, and comprehensive reporting and counseling systems to support affected students and guide corrective actions, preventing further escalation. Furthermore, Kuo called for a shift from confrontation to dialogue in education, urging parents, teachers, and students to set aside defensiveness and begin communication with the goal of collectively helping children grow.

Regarding teacher welfare, Kuo supported balancing professional rights with responsibilities. She called for systems that protect dedicated educators while also implementing fair procedures for handling underperforming teachers, thereby upholding the quality of education and the dignity of the teaching profession. Kuo concluded that "Iron Kid Education" is more than just a school-themed work; it serves as a mirror reflecting the current state of educational realities.

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zero tolerance for bullying and perfecting protection mechanisms