Korean-American parents lead anti-bullying campaign after son’s death

The death of 11-year-old Korean American student Aiden Lee has left a community in shock and mourning. A bright, loving boy who played trombone in his school band and never ended a day without telling his parents, “I love you,” Aiden took his own life on September 24 after relentless bullying by older classmates. His loss is not only a heartbreaking personal tragedy but also a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked school violence.

For his parents, Jaeseok Lee and Hyemi Jung, grief could easily have been overwhelming. Their only son was gone, and the reasons behind his decision seemed at first unimaginable. Yet instead of retreating into silence, they chose to act.

In the days following Aiden’s death, they created a public Facebook group — Columbia County No Bullying (CC NO Bullying) — to provide victims with a place to speak out and parents with a forum to mobilize against harassment in schools. Their message was simple but urgent: no child and no family should ever again endure the pain they now carry.

Reports revealed that Aiden had faced severe bullying, including forms of abuse too disturbing for his parents to repeat publicly. Other parents and students came forward with similar accounts, describing a pattern of harassment at the school that had gone unaddressed. Despite receiving psychiatric treatment, Aiden could not withstand the emotional toll.

The Columbia County School District in Georgia has since pledged to investigate threats more seriously, stressing that students over the age of 13 can face criminal charges under state law. Across the country, legal frameworks already exist — such as California’s PC §245.6 — that hold even minors accountable when bullying leads to serious injury or death. But laws alone are not enough. Too often, intervention comes only after lives are lost.

It would have been understandable for Aiden’s parents to remain in private sorrow. Instead, they turned grief into a call for collective responsibility. Their campaign asks not only students but also fellow parents to recognize that bullying is not a “phase of growing up” but a serious threat to children’s well-being.

The family’s initiative has already sparked community action. Harlem Middle School, where Aiden studied, brought in counselors and designated three days of mourning, encouraging classmates to wear blue — his favorite color. Local businesses also joined: one clothing company printed T-shirts bearing Aiden’s face and the words “Spread the Love,” a phrase he once used in a Roblox game he designed. Proceeds will support his family. On crowdfunding platforms, donations quickly poured in, nearly meeting the fundraising goal within days.

This is not the first such tragedy in the region. Last year in nearby Augusta, 13-year-old Fabiana Rosario also died by suicide after being bullied. These recurring losses underline a troubling truth: awareness is not translating into prevention fast enough.

What makes Aiden’s parents’ response powerful is not only their courage but also their refusal to let anger define their next steps. They have called for accountability and investigation, yes, but more importantly, they have urged the community to learn from their son’s story. Their campaign is not about punishment alone; it is about building a culture where empathy, respect, and safety are non-negotiable in schools.

Educators acknowledge that bullying has changed. It is no longer limited to physical intimidation or playground taunts. As Los Angeles teacher Jennifer Kim noted, social media has opened new avenues of cruelty — AI-manipulated images, online harassment, and public shaming that follow children far beyond the classroom. Parents and schools must adapt, strengthening not just disciplinary measures but also education in digital responsibility and compassion.

The fight against school bullying cannot be left to grieving families alone. Parents, teachers, policymakers, and students all have a role to play. Communities must create environments where children feel safe speaking out and where intervention is swift and meaningful. Schools must improve preventive education and hold perpetrators accountable before harm escalates. Lawmakers must ensure that resources for mental health support are available, and social media companies must accept responsibility for the roles they play in amplifying cruelty.

Above all, we must reject the idea that bullying is inevitable. Aiden’s story is a tragedy, but it is also a warning — and through his parents’ courage, perhaps a catalyst for lasting change.

By Mooyoung Lee [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]