Breaking the Silence: When Korean School Violence Shook Europe...

Addressing the theme of school bullying, or Hak-pok (학폭) as it is called in Korea, is a delicate exercise. It is a subject that can be difficult because it places society in front of its failures, but above all, it is a subject that can save lives. By observing the difference between the reactions of European governments and the Korean government, the conclusion is clear: Europe still has a long way to go.

In Korea, the government has decided to no longer close its eyes and reacts directly. A child who was a bully is no longer seen as a “childish mistake,” but as a serious matter that requires immediate action.

Having been a victim myself in the past, I completely understand what others are going through. Even though I have written a book on bullying and created music to protest against this hate, I know that my actions are just a drop in the ocean. In Korea, they have moved to the next level: they take these actions very seriously now.

There, a bully can see the doors of university close, even if they have excellent scores on the Suneung. We also see many celebrities — K‑pop idols, actors, high‑level athletes — see their careers end abruptly after victims testified about facts dating back 10 or 15 years.

Are these punishments harsh? From one point of view, yes, but it is a necessary accountability, especially when a victim’s life is at stake. It is deeply tragic when this happens.

During all these years, I wondered: why are children or young people like this? We are sponges that collect everything around us. A bully—while it is not an excuse—is sometimes a victim himself at home, letting his frustration out on others because he finds it to be a normal thing.

We cannot stay silent if we want to prevent these stories from getting worse. Every person has the right to a life of joy. In my music video You Are Not Alone, I try to convey the message that no one has the right to suffer alone in their corner.

Korea shows us that silence can be broken by the law. My fight, through words and music, is to ensure that this silence is also broken by the heart and solidarity.