Tragic Incident Involving Three Dance Students in Busan Raises Concerns

On June 23, a press conference was held by the parents' association of a Busan arts high school, following the tragic deaths of three second-year dance students. The association claimed there had been conflicts with a practical instructor, urging for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the students' deaths. They questioned why all three students made the same tragic choice on the same day and at the same location, suggesting that the school's unusual operations since the beginning of the academic year may be linked to the incident.

The vice president of the parents' association revealed that they had requested the school to separate students from the practical instructor due to various issues reported earlier this year. They also filed a complaint with the police earlier this month regarding the instructor's conduct. Currently, the instructor has been removed from teaching duties, and the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education has dispatched a psychological counselor to the school.

According to the parents' association, 11 out of 14 dance instructors were replaced in January, leading to conflicts between the new instructors and students shortly after the new semester began. The quality and direction of students' work can vary significantly based on the instructor's teaching style and rapport with the students.

One instructor who had known one of the deceased students since elementary school stated that while the student did not show signs of depression, there were recent disturbances at the school that may have affected her satisfaction with the classes.

Despite the students mentioning in their notes that they felt overwhelmed by academic stress and college entrance pressures, their academic performance was reportedly strong. The vice president of the parents' association noted that while stress was present, the students had been managing rigorous practice schedules from a young age and maintained above-average grades, with one student consistently ranking first in practical assessments.

On June 21, the three students were found unconscious in a flowerbed outside an apartment in Busan and were later pronounced dead at the hospital. The Haeundae Police are currently investigating the students' activities and motivations leading up to the incident, having secured their mobile phones, personal belongings, and notes for analysis.

The Busan Education Office has formed a joint task force and initiated a special audit, citing longstanding conflicts and complaints related to the school as a basis for the investigation, as directed by the education superintendent.

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