Lee Ji-hye defends Korean Folk Village ghost experience amid abuse debate

Broadcaster Lee Ji-hye stated on the 9th that the Korean Folk Village ghost experience does not cause trauma, following a video release where she visited the site to observe the controversial discipline method used on children.

Broadcaster Lee Ji-hye has expressed her thoughts regarding the child abuse controversy surrounding the ghost experience at the Korean Folk Village. As opinions remain divided on whether disciplinary methods that induce intense fear in children are appropriate, Lee shared her personal stance after experiencing it firsthand, stating, "I don't think it goes as far as being a trauma."

On the 9th, a video titled "The reason why Lee Ji-hye's daughter wailed at the Korean Folk Village, where she went to fix her daughter's habits? (Eoduksini, Ghost)" was released on the YouTube channel Mipji Aneun Gwanjong Eonni. The video captures Lee visiting the Korean Folk Village with her children to observe the ghost experience that has been garnering significant attention.

During the visit, Lee expressed her anticipation for the experience, revealing her honest intention to use the ghosts to educate her children. "I wanted to come because I heard education could be done in one shot, but since it's already so hot, it might be meaningless for me to verify it," she said, referring to the popularity of the ghosts who have recently become a sensation online, being called the "Dark Oh Eun-young."

The Korean Folk Village ghost experience has gained fame for its method of having ghosts in scary makeup discipline children. The concept of correcting behavior through frightening situations when children do not listen has gained massive popularity through word-of-mouth online, but it has also faced criticism for potentially instilling excessive fear in children. As a controversy over child abuse emerged regarding the boundary between play and education, opposing views clashed over the appropriateness of the experience.

Regarding this, Lee Ji-hye stated, "There is a bit of a pros and cons controversy about this. Opinions are divided on whether discipline should be done this way or not, but I don't think it goes as far as being a trauma." By addressing the core of the controversy ahead of her direct experience, she offered her personal view that the program does not appear to leave long-term psychological scars on children.

Lee then added humor by mentioning children who had come on group tours from kindergartens. "A group from a kindergarten came, and I'm sure both the moms and the teachers are thinking the same thing, 'You guys should experience this once.' When they don't listen, you just..." she said, bringing laughter to the scene. It was a moment where she lightheartedly expressed the realistic feelings of a parent contemplating how to discipline their children.

Afterward, Lee came face-to-face with Eoduksini, who has become a representative star of the Korean Folk Village. She expressed her excitement, asking, "Do you know how incredibly hot you are right now?" to which Eoduksini responded, "I feel a sense of responsibility because there are many fans on SNS or on-site who provide 'true education, Eoduksini'." This explained that the popularity formed online is being felt on-site as well.

After stating, "We also came to see Eoduksini," Lee drew laughter by asking, "Since it's become this hot and even appeared in the news, isn't there something like a performance bonus?" To this, Eoduksini responded wittily, "I'm sure you will take good care of it." Lee's honest remarks and the unique humor of the scene added enjoyment to the video as she personally verified the ghost experience that drew attention due to the child discipline controversy.

Read the original (Korean)