Elementary Student Assaults Teacher, Parents File Child Abuse Complaint

In a troubling incident at an elementary school in Busan, a fifth-grade student, referred to as A, physically assaulted a female teacher, identified as B. This occurred on April 28 when A was involved in a fight with a classmate. Teacher B intervened, attempting to stop the altercation and encourage apologies. However, A refused and retreated to his classroom. When B followed, A reportedly grabbed her hair and struck her in the face and head. The situation was eventually diffused by another teacher.

B sustained injuries to her face, neck, and arms, resulting in a two-week medical leave. After the incident, she returned to work on May 2 following a brief sick leave.

In a surprising turn, after B sought to convene a committee for the protection of teachers' rights due to the psychological impact of the assault, A's parents accused her of child abuse at the police station. An official from the education office noted that A's parents initially acknowledged the assault but later changed their stance to file a complaint against B. The official suggested that B's actions, which included holding A's wrist in self-defense against ongoing violence, were being mischaracterized as child abuse.

The police stated they are conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.