{
  "id": 17837863,
  "title": "Traditional music teachers exploited authority to sexually abuse students: Court records",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/traditional-music-teachers-exploited-authority-to-sexually-abuse",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T18:52:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20261103/traditional-music-teachers-exploited-authority-to-sexually-abuse-students-court-records"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sexual abuse and exploitation continue to plague the traditional Korean music community, a disturbing trend amplified by the significant power teachers hold over students' futures and the tight-knit, secretive nature of the industry. As the Hankook Ilbo's investigation uncovered a trail of sexual harassment and assault stories, more victims began speaking out about the widespread misconduct. Detailed court rulings spanning from 2010 to 2026 revealed chilling information about the nature of these crimes.\n\nAmong the 11 cases analyzed by the Hankook Ilbo, seven involved underage victims, with four of those cases targeting individuals under the age of 13. Adult victims also experienced repeated abuse, exploiting the control teachers exerted over students' future careers. Despite the trauma inflicted, speaking out proved extremely challenging for victims, and some ultimately chose to leave the traditional music community entirely.\n\nThese heinous acts often took place within the confines of lesson rooms or classrooms, exploiting the trust placed in teachers. The silence surrounding these crimes has persisted, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support for victims.",
  "summary": "Sex crimes in the traditional Korean music community persist, fueled by the enormous influence teachers wield over students’ future careers and the close-knit, insular nature of the industry. Following the Hankook Ilbo’s in-depth coverage of sexual exploitation in the traditional music scene, victims continued to come forward with accounts of widespread sexual harassment and assault. Court…",
  "key_points": [
    "Seven out of eleven cases involved underage victims, with four targeting those under 13",
    "Adult victims also experienced repeated abuse, exploiting teachers' control over students' futures",
    "Silence surrounding crimes persisted, highlighting urgent need for intervention and support"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}