Case Summary

A Korean court ruled that the parents of a middle school student must pay approximately 23 million KRW (about $17,000–$18,000 USD) in damages after their child assaulted a classmate’s mother.

The incident occurred in March 2023 near a park in Busan.

According to the court:

The student (B) was teasing another student (A).

A’s mother intervened and tried to stop the behavior.

B pushed her to the ground, kicked her while she was down, and threatened A.


After the incident, the local education office’s School Violence Committee took disciplinary measures:

The victim student received psychological counseling and treatment support.

The offending student was ordered to:

Avoid contact with the victim

Refrain from threats or retaliation

Complete 10 hours of community service



The student challenged the disciplinary decision in court, but the court rejected the appeal.

In a separate civil lawsuit, the victims sought compensation from the offender’s parents.

The Busan District Court (Dongbu Branch) ruled that the parents were legally responsible for failing to properly supervise and educate their minor child.

The court awarded damages totaling about 23 million KRW, including:

13.27 million KRW to student A (medical costs, counseling, and emotional damages)

7.9 million KRW to A’s mother (medical expenses and damages)

1 million KRW each to A’s grandparents, who were present during the incident



Key Legal Takeaway

Under Korean civil law, parents can be held financially liable for wrongful acts committed by their minor children when they fail to properly supervise or control them.

Article: https://www.donga.com/news/Society/article/all/20260309/133490898/2