Incheon teacher accused of coercing elementary students into self-harm

A group of 18 parents from an elementary school in Incheon, South Korea, have filed a police complaint against a 60-year-old contract teacher, alleging child abuse.

The allegations claim the teacher coerced second-grade students into self-inflicted physical punishment, such as striking their own heads with their fists or hitting them against desks. Parents also reported that the teacher restricted the use of school supplies and bathroom access, forced students to finish all their meals—leading to instances of vomiting—and arranged desks to face walls or windows rather than the blackboard.

The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency has taken over the case due to the young age of the victims and is currently investigating whether these actions constitute physical or emotional abuse.