Reviewed school bullying cases increase for 3rd consecutive year, led by surge at international, elite private schools

South Korea’s reviewed school bullying cases increased for the third straight year, reaching 7,646 in 2025—a 2.7% rise from 2024—according to data analyzed by Jongro Academy. The Ministry of Education’s portal showed a steady climb from 5,834 cases in 2023 to 7,446 in 2024. Elite private and international schools saw the sharpest increases: private schools jumped 112.5% (from 16 to 34 cases), while international schools rose 116.7% (from 6 to 13 cases). Experts attribute the surge to universities now mandating bullying records in admissions, starting with the 2026 cycle. Previously, 147 universities already considered such records, but the 2026 expansion included exams, essays, and achievement-based tracks. This pressure has led to more counter-bullying disputes, where both parties file complaints, further driving up review filings. Despite the rise in cases, disciplinary actions fell to 12,628 in 2025, a 2.7% drop from the prior year. Most penalties were non-severe: 28.1% involved contact prohibitions, 20.1% required written apologies, and only 0.3% resulted in expulsions. The most common measures included community service (19.2%) and mandatory counseling (16.5%). Gifted and specialized high schools also saw significant increases, with 212 reviews in 2025—a 15.2% rise. General high schools had the highest raw numbers (5,059 cases) but only a 3.4% increase. Jongro Academy’s Im Sung-ho warned that stricter school record evaluations, set to begin in the 2028 admissions cycle, will further amplify bullying records’ impact on university prospects. The data suggests a growing tension between heightened reporting and limited disciplinary consequences, as students and parents prioritize avoiding records over resolving conflicts.