By Tim Binnall
A fierce debate has erupted in South Korea over an unusual exercise known as 'ghost discipline,' wherein performers dressed as ghoulish figures threaten children to improve their behavior. According to a local media report, the peculiar practice has become a popular offering at an ongoing fall festival at the tourist attraction Korean Folk Village. In recent weeks, the country's social media has been awash with 'amusing' videos of terrified youngsters being frightened by faux ghosts, who are informed by parents about where their child could use improvement, such as eating their vegetables or watching less television.
As one might imagine, many South Korean netizens have taken issue with the practice, calling it traumatic to the youngsters subjected to the 'ghost discipline.' Several critics have gone so far as to file complaints with various government agencies in the country, arguing that it is tantamount to child abuse. In response, authorities reportedly indicated that they intend to visit the attraction to observe the 'ghost discipline' and ensure that youngsters are not in any actual danger. Meanwhile, others on South Korean social media have pushed back against the criticism, saying that the practice is all in good fun, with one resident musing that it captures "a kind of cuteness and innocence you only see in childhood."