In Jeonju, South Korea, a TV sensation is causing sleepless nights for school administrators. “Pyramid Game,” a K-Drama that aired on February 29, has become more than just entertainment. It’s influencing students in ways that have schools worried.
To combat the trend of students imitating the show’s hierarchical bullying, schools have rolled out “Guidance Letters” to parents. They’re calling for vigilance and guidance at home to keep these imitations in the realm of fiction.
Background
“Pyramid Game” plunges into the dark underbelly of school life, portraying a society where students rank each other in a brutal pecking order. Those on the lower rungs suffer at the hands of the elite. Schools fear these on-screen dynamics are being mirrored in real life, turning playful games into gateways for bullying.
Parents warned
The letters urge parents to monitor their kids’ engagement with the show. Discussion and oversight are recommended to ensure children understand the difference between fiction and acceptable behavior.
Risk of copycats
While “Pyramid Game” aims to critique societal issues through its dramatic portrayal of school life, the nuanced message might be lost on younger viewers. The real worry is that students will see it as inspiration for mimicking harmful behaviors, not as the cautionary tale it’s meant to be.
Jeonju schools are proactively addressing the issue, emphasising the importance of keeping TV drama and reality separate.
