School Scandal Erupts Over Misogynistic Banners by High School Students in Korea
In a troubling incident that has sparked outrage across social media, two high school students from Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, have come under fire for holding up misogynistic signs that went viral. The two male students, both 17, were photographed with banners stating, “A woman’s voice shouldn’t be louder than 80 decibels” and “A woman shouldn’t talk back to a man,” a snapshot that was shared by a female friend on May 16.
This imagery has since ignited discussions about a disturbing new meme trend in Korea. Originating from an exaggerated line by a cartoon character known for his violent antics, the phrase, “A woman…is talking back?,” has morphed into a tool for promoting misogyny rather than just humor.
The students initially designed the signs to cheer on peers at a school athletic event but later opted against displaying them. Instead, they posted the photo on social media, aiming for a light-hearted gag, only to find themselves engulfed in public condemnation.
The backlash has been severe. Alongside facing social media scorn, their identities were leaked without their consent, prompting a police investigation by the Anyang Manan Police Station, which is now treating the situation as a defamation case.
In light of the incident, the school’s administration, along with local education authorities, launched their own investigation on May 19. They’ve also taken a proactive stance by offering counseling services to address the cycle of bullying surrounding this situation.
A representative from the school noted, “The students are admitting their mistakes and feel remorse for their actions. However, the level of cyberbullying they are experiencing, including the unauthorized release of their information, is excessive. We have categorized them as bullying victims in accordance with education office guidelines.”
In response to the uproar, the school has officially apologized on its website, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and indicating that disciplinary actions against the involved students are being considered.
As more details emerge, this incident underscores a critical conversation around misogyny in Korean society, especially among younger generations. The fallout continues to reverberate as the community grapples with the implications of such actions and the intense scrutiny that follows.
