Middle school violence in South Korea surged last year, more than doubling the number of high school incidents nationwide. According to Jongro Academy, middle schools reported 17,833 school violence cases in 2024. This total stands at 2.4 times the 7,446 cases recorded in high schools during the same period. The private education firm analyzed data from 3,295 middle schools and 2,380 high schools. Clearly, middle school violence in South Korea has become a growing concern for educators and parents alike.
The most common offense among students was physical assault, which accounted for 30.9 percent of all reported cases. Verbal abuse came next at 29.3 percent, followed by cyberbullying at roughly 12 percent. These findings reflect a wide spectrum of harmful behavior among younger students. Moreover, Jongro Academy highlighted a sharp rise in disciplinary action against middle school offenders. Middle school violence in South Korea also triggered nearly three times more punishments than in high schools.
Disciplinary cases in middle schools reached 36,069 in 2024, compared to just 12,975 in high schools. The most frequent punishment handed out was a written apology. Although many of these incidents do not currently affect college admissions, educators worry about long-term implications. Some elite high schools consider these records, which could disadvantage students early on. In contrast, even minor violations in high school may impact entry to top universities.
Schools like Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Korea University often evaluate applicants based on behavior. As a result, high school students now face more pressure to maintain clean disciplinary records. However, experts believe early interventions are critical to curb negative patterns in middle school. While academic focus often dominates education policy, behavior issues demand equal attention. Middle school violence in South Korea may indicate broader shifts in social norms and school environments.
Looking ahead, education officials may consider integrating stronger prevention programs into middle school curricula. Teachers and administrators could benefit from additional training on conflict resolution. Digital platforms may also require closer monitoring to reduce online bullying. Ultimately, curbing violence at earlier stages could support both academic and personal development. Addressing middle school violence in South Korea must now become a national priority.
