Hit-and-Run Suspicion and School Pressure Shadow 'Beautiful World' as Comatose Student Wakes

In episode 15 of the JTBC drama 'Beautiful World', Hwa Seon-ho, who had been in a vegetative state, miraculously regains consciousness. The case has meanwhile spread beyond a simple fall into hit-and-run suspicion, and the school is moving to settle it as an accident.

Pressure on the family, and a lenient outcome in sight

A school official passes a gesture of goodwill to Seon-ho's parents in the name of hospital-bill support, and demands continue that someone turn themselves in to the chairman's side and pay for the crime. With the case about to be referred to the prosecution's juvenile division, whether the incident was intentional is the crux. Persistent bullying has been confirmed, but if intent cannot be clearly proven, Oh Jun-seok, the minor named as the perpetrator, is highly likely to receive a suspended indictment. Controversy over his punishment continues: the chance of a suspended indictment is raised on the grounds that the aim for a minor is guidance rather than punishment, while critics say there has been no remorse or apology.

Conflicting accounts and a cautious recovery

The line "I pushed them off the roof" carries the coverage of the episode. Oh Jun-seok has stated that what happened was an accident. If Seon-ho were to say it was intentional, it would be very unfavorable for Oh Jun-seok, but in Seon-ho's current condition a clear statement is hard to expect. The school is trying to persuade Seon-ho's parents so that a school violence committee is not convened and neither side is hounded, and so to close the case as an accident. Seon-ho's recovery has become a key variable. Medical staff describe Seon-ho's responses as close to a miracle and say that, thanks to Seon-ho's young age, the neurological prognosis is good and recovery is expected to be fast. Communication is still not natural, however, and conversations that could cause a shock are to be avoided.

Questions over the black box and a recorded threat

Questions have been raised over whether someone directed the handling of black-box footage, and a warning has been sounded that if evidence is destroyed, no one will easily escape responsibility. A figure who appears to be a witness or someone connected to the case also applies pressure through a voice recorder, and efforts to uncover the truth continue.

Source: DRAMA Voyage (YouTube)