11-Year-Old Korean American Student’s Suicide Sparks Community Support in Georgia

Community members in Columbia County, Georgia, are rallying around the family of Aiden Hyunkyung Lee, the 11-year-old Korean American who died after what his parents described as school bullying.

Background on the case is available in our earlier report here:
Korean American Student Suicide in Georgia Linked to Severe Bullying

On October 1, Aiden’s parents, Jaeseok Lee and Hyemi Jung, created a public Facebook group called CC NO Bullying to provide a forum where students and parents can share experiences and seek help. “We will work so that no child has to endure what our son faced,” Lee said.

Support has extended beyond the school. Within days, a GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $13,000, and local business owner Ellie Oglesby pledged proceeds from tribute T-shirts printed with Aiden’s image and the name of the Roblox game he created, “Spread the Love.”

The Columbia County School District and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said they are investigating reports of bullying. The district stated, “We investigate all claims.”

Aiden’s funeral will take place at Platt’s Funeral Home in Evans, Georgia, on October 6 at 5 p.m., with relatives in Korea joining remotely through a recorded broadcast.

“Bullying must end,” his parents said. “No family should ever have to hold their child’s cold body and wonder why,” according to WRDW/WAGT.