School Bullying Records to Shape College Admissions in South Korea
In South Korea, a new policy set to take effect in 2026 will make school bullying records a decisive factor in college admissions, sparking widespread debate within the education system. As pressure on students increases, consulting services that claim to erase or mitigate disciplinary records are rapidly expanding.
According to official data, incidents of school violence have risen significantly in recent years. Figures from the Korean National Police Agency show that the number of students involved in such cases increased from around 12,000 in 2016 to over 24,000 in 2025. The Ministry of Education also reported that 7,446 bullying cases were reviewed in 2024, marking the highest number on record.
Amid these developments, concerns among families and students about potential penalties in the college admissions process are growing. Experts note that strategies aimed at delaying the finalization of disciplinary decisions are becoming more common, further intensifying legal disputes. At the same time, differing interpretations between court rulings and the Ministry of Education’s policies are adding to the uncertainty.
Education authorities acknowledge that gaps in the current system are contributing both to legal conflicts and to the increasing demand for such intermediary services. According to experts, establishing a clear and consistent policy framework will be essential to ensure greater transparency and fairness in the process.