A South Korean legal expert has warned that victim-perpetrator dynamics in school bullying cases can be reversed, urging the implementation of proactive legal safeguards. Central Daily News, 2026-07-01
When schools face bullying allegations, the victim can unexpectedly become the accused, according to a legal expert who has observed school settings for the past 10 years. This reversal, he says, often happens where “드라마처럼 여러 사건이 뒤얽혀 피해자와 가해자가 뒤바뀌는 경우도 종종 있다” (cases often occur where, like a drama, various incidents are intertwined and the victim and perpetrator are reversed). The phenomenon raises questions about institutional accountability and financial implications for schools.
The legal landscape for educational institutions has grown increasingly complex. This ambiguity creates financial risks for schools, as legal costs and insurance claims escalate.
How Educational Legal Risks Impact Institutional Budgets
An analysis of 2023-2025 cases reveals a pattern: a significant portion of initial bullying reports involved conflicting narratives, leading to extended investigations. This delays resolution and increases legal expenditures. According to the Korean Council for University Education, schools spent an average of ₩8.7 million per complex case in 2025, up a notable percentage from 2022.
"The key is documenting interactions from the start," the legal expert advises.
The Bottom Line
- A significant portion of bullying cases involve contested perpetrator-victim dynamics
- South Korean schools spent an average of ₩8.7 million on complex bullying cases in 2025
| Year | Formal Bullying Complaints | Case Complexity Rate | Avg. Legal Cost (₩) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | numerous | notable proportion | 6.2M |
| 2023 | numerous | notable proportion | 7.1M |
| 2024 | numerous | notable proportion | 7.9M |
| 2025 | numerous | notable proportion | 8.7M |
The financial implications extend beyond schools. Insurance companies specializing in educational liability have adjusted premiums. According to the Korean Insurance Development Association, policies for schools increased by a significant percentage in 2025, with a notable proportion of carriers implementing “evidence documentation” clauses. Park Ji-hoon, a risk analyst at Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, says schools must treat this as a risk management issue and that the cost of inaction far exceeds preventive measures.
Market analysts note broader economic effects. The 2025 South Korean Ministry of Education budget allocated a substantial amount for bullying prevention programs, a notable increase from 2022. This funding surge has benefited legal tech startups like EduGuard, which saw its valuation rise to a significant valuation in 2025, according to KOSDAQ filings. Kim Young-jun explains that their platform helps schools manage documentation and compliance, noting that this is a growing sector with clear financial incentives.
For investors, the trend highlights emerging opportunities. "The market for educational risk management solutions is undervalued, with a projected significant CAGR through 2028."
The legal and financial complexities underscore the need for systemic reforms. While the legal expert advocates for standardized documentation protocols, critics argue that current measures remain reactive. "Otherwise, we'll continue cycling through these costly disputes."
As the 2026 academic year begins, schools face a critical juncture. The balance between legal protection and educational integrity will shape both institutional budgets and student welfare. For investors, the evolving risk landscape presents both challenges and opportunities in the education sector.
*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.*
