‘Rebellious’ Korean Girls Convicted for Assaulting Love-Rival in N.Zealand

The victim, whose name was not disclosed, was said to be traumatized and did not tell her mother for weeks. She suffered from serious cigarette burns to her arms, the paper reported. Her mother reported this to police. The victim reportedly told her mother that she was too terrified to run away as she thought that they would come after her.

The six girls - most of whom attend two top Auckland schools - were last week convicted for assaulting their 16-year-old victim. All are Korean and have struggled to adjust to life in New Zealand, said John Cho, spokesperson for Auckland's North Shore Korean community.

Cho said it was not uncommon for exemplary young people to "get out of control" when they moved to New Zealand. None of the girls had been in trouble before they moved here. Some were living with one parent while the other worked in Korea, he said.

Others were living with a homestay family but all - including the victim - had become rebellious and struggled to cope with the extreme cultural differences, Cho said.

He said New Zealand society was "too open" compared to a conservative Asian culture where school children prioritised studies and were denied romantic relationships.

The 17-year-old, two 16-year- olds and three 15-year-olds were convicted of assault in North Shore youth court on Wednesday. The 17-year-old girl, one 16-year-old and one 15-year- old were also convicted of more serious charges of assault and injuring with intent. They cannot be named for legal reasons.

The girls will attend a family group conference to redress the harm done to their victim. They will reappear for sentencing in the youth court in June.

Cho said parents were considering moving the girls out of Auckland. One of the girls may have to return to Korea if her study permit is not renewed. The schools needed to be more supportive of its Asian students and help them settle as once the thousands had been paid in international fees "they don't care", he said.

It was understood at least one girls was asked to leave her top school after the February attack.

The Korean community was "embarrassed and afraid" when incidents like this came to light but the problems needed to be discussed openly to help resolve them, Cho said.

"They were very much wrong. But these girls are still teenagers. I only hope that police and the victim's mother give one more chance."

Source: Stuff NZ, Chosun
Pic from Electra1119