“The parents consented, though” ... Korean Folk Village ends ‘ghost discipline’ program after controversy

[Financial News] The so-called “ghost discipline” program at the Korean Folk Village, in which an actor dressed as a ghost frightens children, will end on the 15th following a child abuse controversy. With reports and criminal complaints filed over the program, police also plan to examine whether the offense of child abuse is established.
The Korean Folk Village said the “ghost discipline” program would also wrap up to coincide with the end of its nighttime opening on the 15th. It plans to make changes to how the program is run going forward.
“Ghost discipline” is an experiential program the Korean Folk Village has run as part of its autumn festival. An actor dressed as a ghost frightens children by telling them, “If you don’t listen, I’ll take you away.”
The controversy erupted after the parent of a child living outside Yongin-si reported to police that the program could constitute child abuse. Yongin-si officials later visited the Korean Folk Village and conducted an on-site inspection.
Separately, nine related complaints were also filed with Yongin-si through the e-People petition system.
Police plan to establish the facts by questioning the person against whom the complaint was filed and others involved in the case, and to review as a matter of law whether child abuse charges apply.
The Korean Folk Village says the program was conducted with prior consent from guardians. A representative of the village told YTN, “We only proceeded when parents applied directly and gave their consent. We followed our own guidelines, including immediately stopping if a child became extremely frightened.”


[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter