Korea Horrified as Developmentally Disabled Girl Forced to Strip by Classmates, Offender Still in Same Classroom

On June 18, JTBC’s Crime Chief reported that a second-grade girl with an intellectual disability in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, was coerced by classmates into undressing, causing her severe emotional distress.

The incident first came to light on April 10 when the school’s special education teacher contacted the girl’s parents, stating she had taken off her pants at school. CCTV footage later revealed that two classmates had repeatedly pressured her near a shoe rack and on the playground, saying things like, “Take off your pants and I’ll give you candy.” When she initially refused, they attempted to lure her with promises of more treats, eventually leading to her undressing. They further mocked her by instructing her to mimic phrases like, “Am I pretty?”

Witnessed by nearly a dozen peers, the incident left the victim and her parents traumatized. The father reported the incident to the School Violence Countermeasures Committee, which ruled on May 16 that the perpetrators must:

1. Not approach, threaten, or retaliate against the victim (Measure 2),
2. Transfer to another school (Measure 8),
3. Complete six hours of special education with their parents.

One parent complied and transferred their child, but the other filed an administrative lawsuit to overturn the ruling. Because the school only has one class per grade, the child remains in the same classroom as the victim during the ongoing legal process.

Adding to the outrage, the parent who appealed the decision has reportedly been collecting petitions claiming their child “is not that kind of person.” Meanwhile, the victim’s mother stated, “Since the incident, my daughter has been suffering from stress, wetting the bed at night. I, too, have been deeply traumatized and am undergoing psychiatric treatment and taking medication.”

Meanwhile, an education office official stated, “We enforced a separation measure for over a month after the incident, but prolonged separation could raise concerns about the perpetrator’s right to education.”

This disturbing case highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for vulnerable students and swifter action against school bullying, especially when it involves sexual coercion. Schools and authorities must prioritize victims’ safety over bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring accountability and preventing further harm.