{
  "id": 19312651,
  "title": "Korean parents enlist ghosts to discipline kids, sparking child abuse complaints",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/korean-parents-enlist-ghosts-to-discipline-kids-sparking-child-abuse-19312651",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-10T09:37:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20261110/korean-parents-enlist-ghosts-to-discipline-kids-sparking-child-abuse-complaints"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Korean Folk Village, a beloved attraction in Yongin City, Gyeonggi Province, has faced scrutiny over a popular event known as \"ghost discipline\" where actors dressed as traditional Korean ghosts discipline misbehaving children. This practice has prompted local authorities to consider investigating potential child abuse, sparking controversy and debate.\n\nThe folk village, a major tourist destination, hosts the ghost discipline event every autumn. Actors portray various traditional Korean ghost figures, including the nine-tailed fox and the virgin ghost, who scold and discipline children on behalf of their parents. While the event has gained popularity through word of mouth, some visitors have raised concerns about its potential impact on child well-being.\n\nIn response to complaints, Yongin City plans to send child welfare experts and police to the Korean Folk Village later this month. The aim is to examine how the ghost discipline event is conducted and assess whether it constitutes abusive behavior. However, this move has ignited controversy, with many online commenters arguing that parents who subject their children to this form of discipline should be held accountable, rather than the folk village or its actors.\n\nThe debate surrounding the ghost discipline event highlights the tension between cultural traditions and modern concerns about child welfare. As Yongin City investigates the practice, the case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and ensuring the protection of children.",
  "summary": "A popular attraction at the Korean Folk Village, where actors dressed as ghosts discipline misbehaving children, has come under scrutiny after complaints prompted the local government to consider investigating possible child abuse. The move has instead sparked controversy, with many online commenters arguing that parents who bring their children to the attraction, rather than the folk village…",
  "key_points": [],
  "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."
}