In the Korean entertainment industry, allegations of school bullying frequently surface, often sparking public outrage. While many headlines focus on alleged perpetrators, some celebrities have bravely come forward to share their own painful experiences as victims.
Among them are actress Park Bo Young, actor Ju Ji Hoon, and comedian Park Na Rae. These public figures have opened up about their past traumas, helping to shed light on the serious issue of school violence.
Park Bo Young’s Story
Actress Park Bo Young shared her experience with school bullying during a 2010 episode of the SBS program 'Sweet Homecoming, Dalgona.' In the broadcast, she met with former classmates from elementary school, revealing that some of them had bullied her in the past.
She introduced them by saying, "These are the people who used to bully me a lot." What shocked viewers was how the classmates casually laughed while recalling the bullying incidents, as if they were joking memories from childhood.
They described specific acts of bullying such as throwing spoiled milk at her from the fourth floor, spraying water on her back when she wore white blouses, and hitting her on the head without reason. Park explained, "The spoiled milk would swell up and burst easily. When I walked by, they threw it at me."
Her honest confession left a strong impression on viewers and drew heavy criticism toward the bullies, especially because of their lighthearted attitude toward the harm they caused. The episode highlighted the long-lasting emotional wounds that bullying can inflict and the lack of awareness some perpetrators have regarding their actions.
Ju Ji Hoon’s Experience
Actor Ju Ji Hoon also spoke openly about being bullied during his school years. In a 2014 video on the YouTube channel Zzanbro, titled 'Ju Ji Hoon vs. Shin Dong Yup: The Ultimate Conspiracy Showdown,' he reflected on his difficult past.
"There were over 3,000 students in each grade, so there were many delinquent groups," he said. When the host asked if he had ever been part of one, Ju Ji Hoon replied, "If I had been, I wouldn't be here right now."
He went on to say that he was bullied by these groups all the way through high school. "They pressured me to submit and bow my head to them. I just couldn't do it. But in the end, I did lower my head slightly," he admitted. His calm and honest account offered a glimpse into the quiet struggles many students endure, especially when faced with peer pressure and group intimidation.
Park Na Rae’s Confession
Comedian Park Na Rae revealed her experience with school bullying for the first time in a 2023 episode of Channel A’s 'Dr. Oh’s Golden Clinic.' She spoke about a classmate who repeatedly bullied her.
"There was a friend who really disliked me. Even if I was just walking by, she would shout insults at me until I was out of sight," Park said.
She also described incidents of physical bullying, such as having rocks thrown at her during breaks on school trips. As she shared these memories, she often paused to gather her emotions, showing how deeply the trauma still affected her.
"Experiencing that kind of treatment repeatedly made me feel worthless. I lost confidence and felt powerless," she said. Dr. Oh Eun Young, a well-known psychiatrist, responded by emphasizing the seriousness of the issue. "Bullying and violence that happen inside schools are repeated daily in a confined environment. This not only damages a child’s self-image, but also takes away their strength to move forward in life. School bullying is a crime," she stated.
A Call for Greater Awareness
Although Park Bo Young, Ju Ji Hoon, and Park Na Rae spoke about their experiences in a calm and composed manner, the emotional scars they carry are likely much deeper than they appear. Their courage in sharing these painful stories sends a powerful message to the public.
School bullying is not something that should be taken lightly. The emotional and psychological wounds it causes often last for years and are not easily healed. As a society, we must take this issue seriously and increase our awareness.
It is time to recognize the lasting impact of school violence and support those who may still be suffering in silence. These stories serve as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a safer and more compassionate environment for young people.
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