YouTuber known as school bullying victim dies at 27

Social Affairs

Published: 11 Oct. 2023, 16:28 Updated: 11 Oct. 2023, 17:33

YouTuber known as school bullying victim dies at 27

YouTuber and hairdresser Pyo Ye-rim, known as the real-life victim of school violence depicted in "The Glory," took her own life on Tuesday. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

YouTuber and hairdresser Pyo Ye-rim, known for her accounts of school bullying, took her own life on Tuesday.

She was 27.

According to the police, Pyo was reported to have fallen in the Seongjigok Reservoir in Busanjin District, Busan, at 12:57 p.m.

The police did not know the woman reported to have fallen was Pyo until she was found dead after three hours of search.

Pyo uploaded a video on her YouTube channel earlier the same day in which she said she wants to be "at peace now" as she can "no longer endure all the public shame" she has received since she came forward with her stories.

She also said she hopes the investigation into those who bullied her in school continues.

When the hit Netflix series "The Glory" shed light on school bullying in Korea upon its release in 2022, Pyo became known as she shared her experience of being a school bullying victim, similar to the cases depicted in the show.

However, many questioned whether her stories were true, saying she had no evidence.

Pyo worked closely with victims of school violence, advocating for the elimination of the statute of limitations for crimes related to school violence.

Pyo was taken to a hospital in April after an apparent suicide attempt.

If you or someone you know is feeling emotionally distressed or struggling with thoughts of suicide, LifeLine Korea can be contacted at 1588-9191. The Seoul Foreign Resident Center offers English-language counseling. Contact 02-2229-4900 to arrange a session. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim jiye@joongang.co.kr]