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The number of sexual harassment and assault reports in Korean educational institutions has more than doubled over the past three years, reaching over 100 cases annually. Concerns are mounting over the Ministry of Education's ability to thoroughly review these reports, given that the dedicated reporting center operates with only one specialized counselor.

Data released by Rep. Jin Sun-mee of the Democratic Party of Korea, a member of the National Assembly Education Committee, showed that the Ministry of Education's sexual harassment and assault reporting center received 533 reports from 2021 to 2023. This marks a significant increase from the 258 cases reported in the three years following the center's establishment in 2018.

Yearly breakdowns show 201 reports in 2021, 190 in 2022 and 142 in 2023, consistently surpassing 100 reports annually. The reports encompass various educational levels: universities accounted for 136 cases, high schools 103, middle schools 65 and elementary schools 40.

The perpetrators identified in these reports included teachers in 41.5 percent (221 cases) of the incidents, students in 17.1 percent (91 cases) and administrative staff or contract teachers in another 41.5 percent (221 cases). The victims were predominantly students, who comprised 37.7 percent (201 cases) of the reports, while teachers made up 16.3 percent (87 cases).

Upon receiving reports, the center forwards cases involving elementary, middle and high school students to regional education offices, while university cases are directed to the respective institutions. The education ministry then reviews whether these bodies handle the cases appropriately. If procedures are found to be lacking, the ministry can request additional information and follow-up.

Despite the surge in reports, the ministry has not conducted any independent investigations over the past three years, even when cases appeared to be mishandled or involved severe misconduct.

Jin emphasized the critical role of specialized counselors in ensuring objective and thorough investigations. She criticized the ministry's current staffing, pointing out the impracticality of having only one counselor to manage an increasing caseload.

Jin expressed disappointment at the ministry's lack of plans to hire additional counselors and called for expanding specialized staff to ensure professional consultation and comprehensive report review.

She said, "The education ministry must prioritize the recruitment of more specialized counselors to handle these sensitive and complex cases effectively."