Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
3 in 5 parents believe corporal punishment unnecessary: poll
The survey comes as the ministry seeks to prohibit parents from using corporal punishment. Gettyimagesbank
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
Six out of 10 parents believe corporal punishment is unnecessary for children's education, a poll showed Wednesday.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's survey, 60.7 percent of 4,039 respondents said corporal punishment is either “never needed” or “unnecessary” for children's education.
Another 37.9 percent said corporal punishment is “somewhat needed,” while 1.5 percent see it as “essential.”
But only 3.6 percent said they actually use corporal punishment on their children, while 96.4 percent said they seldom use it.
The survey comes as the ministry seeks to prohibit parents from using corporal punishment. In May, the ministry said it will work with the governing Democratic Party of Korea to revise related laws.
About 60 countries, mostly in Europe and South America, including Germany and Brazil, have prohibited corporal punishment of any kind for children.