Siena:New forms of school violence, such as forcing bullied students into physical fights, are increasing. However, many of those responsible face minimal consequences.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Data submitted to Rep. Han Byung-do of the ruling Democratic Party revealed that 490 cases of such violence were reviewed by school disciplinary committees between 2024 and August this year. Disciplinary actions were taken against 1,232 students, resulting in 1,961 measures. Notably, 77.7 percent of these measures, or 1,523 cases, were classified as "light," leaving no official records. These measures often involved written apologies or orders to maintain distance from victims.

Less than 10 percent of the disciplinary measures, equating to 193 cases, led to suspensions or school transfers. This report highlights the growing concern over the "yacha rule," where victims are coerced into physical fights under the pretense of mutual consent.

Rep. Han emphasized the need for detailed guidelines to assess involvement in organizing, watching, filming, or circulating videos of such incidents to distinguish coercion from consent. Meanwhile, police have stated that the "yacha rule" is considered a crime, regardless of any written agreement or mutual consent.