As In-Person Classes Increase, School Sexual Violence Cases Rise Again

2 out of 10 Students Involved in School Violence Over 5 Years Committed Sexual Crimes
Number of Sexual Violence Offenders: 3,060 in 2019 → 2,462 in 2020 → 2,879 in 2021

Imanhee, the head of the audit team, is speaking at the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit held on the morning of the 17th at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office in Andong-si, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] A teenager who attempted to sexually assault a classmate during a school trip to Jeju Island has been sentenced to prison. On the 20th, the 11th Criminal Division of Jeonju District Court (Chief Judge Noh Jong-chan) announced that A (18), who was charged with violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles Against Sexual Abuse (quasi-rape), was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year probation. Additionally, A was ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program. A was charged with attempting to sexually assault B (17), a student from the same school, on November 11 last year at a lodging facility in Jeju Island by pressing down on B’s arm to immobilize her, undressing her, and touching her body. At the time, A had gone on a 3-day, 2-night school trip to Jeju Island, and after drinking with several classmates at the lodging, when he was alone with B who was lying down intoxicated, he committed the crime.

Among students who committed school violence in the past five years, 2 out of 10 were found to have committed sexual violence crimes. According to data submitted by the National Police Agency to Lee Man-hee, a member of the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee from the People Power Party, the total number of students caught by the police for school violence from 2017 to 2021 was 64,250.

By type of crime, assault and injury accounted for the largest number with 37,321 cases (58.1%). Sexual violence accounted for 12,625 cases (19.6%), and extortion of money or goods accounted for 6,032 cases (9.4%), among others.

The number of students who committed sexual violence decreased from 3,060 in 2019 to 2,462 in 2020, when non-face-to-face classes were conducted due to COVID-19. However, it increased again to 2,879 last year.

The most common channel through which school violence victims reported their cases was through guardians or relatives at 38.1%, while only 1.4% reported through School Police Officers (SPOs).

Assemblyman Lee Man-hee warned, "Sexual violence among teenagers has a very negative impact on victims." He added, "Victims may suffer psychological and social functional impairments, which can lead to difficulties in forming interpersonal relationships as adults. It can also cause behaviors such as issues with sexual identity, substance abuse, and extreme choices." Lee emphasized, "In cases of school violence, the role of School Police Officers who are dedicated to related tasks is important, and their proportion should be increased." He also pointed out, "Only 1.4% of victims report their cases to School Police Officers, and their numbers are even being reduced, so urgent measures are needed."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.