Reaction On Yi Munyeol’s “Our Twisted Hero”

     

The use of physical force to inflict pain on children, also known as corporal punishment, is implemented in schools in different countries in the world including South Korea.  Children are being hit by their teacher or anyone who is in a position of authority to discipline them.  Korean students are usually hit by sticks or rods in their buttocks or thighs until it swells. Others punish their students by making them stand in the back of the room and hold their hands in the air. If you misbehaved, you’re going to be punished.  That is how Korean teachers discipline their students. 

This implies on Yi Munyeol’s “Our Twisted Hero”. Here, when Han Pyeongtae moves to a province from Seoul, he expects that everyone will be impressed with him. However, he observed that his classmates are too obedient to Eom Sokdae, the appointed class monitor. Sokdae uses complete control over the class, wielding more power than the teacher. Since he has the power over his classmates, they answer his assignments and tests and even give him their food. Despite the fact that Sokdae was more popular, Han tries his best to gain popularity among his classmates. So, Han treated some of his classmates, but Sokdae found it out immediately. Although Sokdae forces his friends into bullying Han, the two of them seldom engage in direct confrontation. Han completely gives in to Sokdae’s rule and even admires Sokdae’s abilities. But Sokdae has his weakness. Han discovered it but chooses not to abuse it but all of Sokdae’s wrongdoings such as his fondness for cheating on exams are soon uncovered in the story.

Yes, discipline is essential so that children learn from their mistakes, change their attitudes, and do what is right. It is necessary to make them grow into healthy, strong, and respectful individuals. However, I believe that corporal punishment is not a legal way to discipline students. This would develop trauma in children.  Such trauma can lead to stress, depression, and suicide. In addition, corporal punishment can lead to physical injury or the worst thing, death. Children who have been punished are more likely to become violent in life; for example, becoming abusive to their spouses and may even use corporal punishment on disciplining their children. In conclusion, children need the same protection as adults.  Counseling or discussing the issue with the child is a more acceptable and a more encouraging form of discipline. This would help children understand where they have done wrong and make them realize the consequences of their actions and their decisions and to be more careful to avoid doing the same mistake in the future.  

Reference: http://www.complete-review.com/reviews/korea/yimunyol1.htm