E-Channel's 'Hyungsooda 2' Features Inspiring Stories of Reformed Youths

A unique conversation with reformed youths, 'Youth Talk', unfolds as part of the E-Channel original web variety show 'Hyungsooda 2'.

Episode 36 of 'Hyungsooda 2', airing on October 10th via the YouTube channel 'Detectives' Talk', features Inspector Lee Baek-hyung from the Dongjak Police Station SPO team. As a dedicated School Police Officer (SPO), he has guided numerous at-risk youths. Criminal profiler Kwon Il-yong introduces him as having the most connections among SPOs dealing with youth.

Inspector Lee, who sports eyebrow tattoos, shares a story about a student with a beauty license who advised him to look younger, capturing attention. He also shares a heartwarming anecdote about easily obtaining 'Doochonku' thanks to a student he mentored. When asked if SPOs can reform kids, Inspector Lee states, "If even one person changes, it's a success. I believe that one person can reform many others." The episode features two youths who have been released from juvenile detention and are in the process of rehabilitation, candidly sharing their past.

Appearing on set are Hwang I-heon (alias) and Lee Ji-hoon (alias), who mention having heard of each other. Profiler Kwon Il-yong, after asking Hwang a question, humorously tells him to "look ahead while talking," as Hwang appears slightly intimidated. The youths confess their involvement in crimes due to impulsive choices and wrong associations during their childhood, sharing their regrets and turning points.

Particularly, when Ahn Jung-hwan points out Hwang's violent behavior inside the facility, Hwang immediately apologizes, admitting, "I couldn't adapt inside the facility, and when friends spoke harshly or violence occurred, I didn't hold back." He reflects, "I realized I shouldn't live like this."

The episode also highlights the shocking reality of further crimes being plotted inside juvenile facilities and the structural issues that expose youths to gang temptations post-release. Lee Ji-hoon reveals that after leaving the facility, he received a "scout offer," promising high earnings, leading him to join a gang. He recounts being tasked with confronting men who contacted the girlfriends of gang members, but eventually, with Inspector Lee's help, the gang members were apprehended.

The two youths openly discuss their feelings about being labeled 'juvenile delinquents' and the changes in their family relationships. Despite being distanced from their families due to past choices, they express a desire to be recognized by their families and to ease their burdens. They also offer candid advice to troubled youths based on their experiences.

Ahn Jung-hwan comments, "There are friends who acknowledge their mistakes, reflect, and strive to change, and those who don't. Of course, these two made mistakes, but their efforts to reform are commendable."

'Hyungsooda 2' airs every Friday at 7 PM on 'Detectives' Talk'.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr