Seoul, South Korea — In a case that has highlighted the explosive issue of school violence and parental involvement in South Korea, a court has upheld a suspended prison sentence for a 39-year-old mother, identified only as "A," who was convicted of instigating the assault of her sons' alleged bullies. The mother's attempt at "self-help justice" by recruiting another minor to retaliate for her children's injuries was sharply condemned by the judiciary.
On October 4, 2025, the Chuncheon District Court's Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Kim Sung-rae) dismissed the appeal filed by Ms. A, thereby sustaining the original verdict of six months in prison, suspended for one year, along with 80 hours of community service, for the charge of instigation of assault.
The Incident and Retaliation
The case dates back to early 2022. According to the court's findings, Ms. A's two minor sons were allegedly assaulted by two other minors, identified as B (16) and C (16), in January 2022. Seeking revenge, Ms. A contacted a teenager, referred to as D, who was an acquaintance of her children, in February of the same year.
She allegedly directed D to "find and beat the kids who hit my sons." Following this instruction, D located B and C and proceeded to assault them, hitting them repeatedly on the nose, cheeks, and chest. The incident came to light a year later when B's parents learned of the instigation and filed a criminal complaint against Ms. A.
Interestingly, B and C were themselves indicted for joint injury in connection with the initial assault on Ms. A's children, and they were reportedly sentenced to prison terms in their first trial, indicating a complex web of school violence.
The Court's Rationale
Ms. A consistently denied the charge of instigation throughout her trial. However, both the initial court (Chuncheon District Court, Wonju Branch) and the appellate court found the key evidence to be the consistent and compelling testimony of the coerced teenager, D.
D testified that Ms. A began calling him repeatedly just three days after B and C's assault on her children, asking if he could "get the kids who hit [her] children." Furthermore, D claimed that Ms. A mentioned she "could call in local thugs to resolve the matter," which ultimately intimidated him into carrying out the assault on B and C. Supporting this testimony, a text message sent by B to D the day after their beating apologized for the earlier assault on Ms. A's children, an action the court deemed consistent with the context of Ms. A's retaliatory instigation.
The court severely criticized Ms. A's actions, stating that the illegal attempt at "self-help justice" risks triggering a "vicious cycle of violence" and fundamentally undermines the rule of law. The court emphasized the mother's abandonment of her adult status and responsibilities by involving another minor in the criminal act, asserting that she must face appropriate consequences.
A Growing Societal Concern
This case underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding school violence and bullying in South Korea, an issue that continues to receive significant media attention and public scrutiny. While parental outrage over school bullying is understandable, the judicial response sends a clear message that vigilante justice, particularly involving the exploitation of minors, will not be tolerated. Experts suggest that such cases highlight the urgent need for robust, trustworthy official channels for parents and children to address school violence, preventing frustrated parents from resorting to illegal, dangerous measures.
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