[Summary] Changnyeong 9-Year-Old Has Been Writing an 'Abuse Diary'... Are More Horrific Abuse Details Emerging?

Stepfather and Biological Mother Brutally Abuse 9-Year-Old Stepdaughter by Burning Hand with Frying Pan
Victim Child Wrote Diary During Abuse Period... Possible Evidence of Additional Abuse
Police Request Arrest Warrants for Stepfather on Charges of Habitual Child Abuse and Special Injury under Child Welfare Act

The stepfather involved in child abuse in Changnyeong is being moved to the annex interrogation room of the Changnyeong Police Station in Gyeongnam on the morning of the 13th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] It has been confirmed that 9-year-old girl A, who was brutally abused by her stepfather (35) and biological mother (27) in Changnyeong, Gyeongnam, had been keeping a diary. The police have secured A’s diary. In addition to the already known horrific abuse, there is a possibility that further abuse details may emerge through the diary entries, which could lead to additional charges against the stepfather and biological mother.

According to the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, on the 13th, during the investigation after arresting the stepfather on charges of abusing his stepdaughter, the police confirmed that A had been writing a diary. The police obtained a search warrant from the court and seized the diary from the stepfather’s residence on the same day.

A is known to have consistently written in her diary about 2 to 3 times a week. It is reported that there are multiple volumes of the diary. The police are investigating whether the diary contains evidence to prove the abuse. Since abuse includes not only physical but also mental and emotional abuse, there is a high possibility that the charges against the stepfather and biological mother will increase.

A(9), an elementary school student in Changnyeong, Gyeongnam, who is known to have been abused by her stepfather and biological mother, is seen talking with the first police reporter (left) at a convenience store in Changnyeong on the 29th of last month.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The police have applied for an arrest warrant for the stepfather on charges of habitual abuse of his stepdaughter (habitual abuse under the Child Welfare Act, special injury, etc.). The police also added charges of special injury, judging that tools were used in the abuse.

Since 2017 until recently, the stepfather is accused of cruelly abusing A by chaining her neck with a metal chain like an animal or burning her fingers with a frying pan. He is also suspected of habitual abuse by feeding her only one meal a day.

The pre-trial detention hearing for the stepfather is scheduled to be held as early as the 15th at the Miryang branch of Changwon District Court.

After obtaining an arrest warrant on the 13th, the police took the stepfather into custody and interrogated him at Changnyeong Police Station for about 9 hours and 30 minutes, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

At the time of his arrest, the stepfather wore a black hat pulled down deeply and a mask, bowing his head low to avoid showing his face. At the photo line, he did not respond to reporters’ questions asking, “Do you admit to the charges?”

However, it is known that he showed a cooperative attitude during the investigation. He reportedly told the police something to the effect of, “I am truly sorry. I hope for leniency.”

The biological mother (27), who is also suspected of participating in the abuse, has not yet been questioned due to mental health and other issues.

The biological mother was admitted to an emergency facility on the 12th and has been complaining of mental distress. She is currently undergoing a detailed examination at a hospital in Gyeongnam. After the detailed examination, she is expected to undergo about two weeks of administrative hospitalization before being questioned by the police.

A’s escape was literally a life-risking attempt. The couple had chained A’s neck to the veranda railing with a metal chain and left her there for two days before her escape, as punishment for trying to leave the house.

The chain was only loosened when she ate or went to the bathroom. At the time of her escape, only the biological mother and step-siblings were at home; the stepfather was not present.

Seizing a moment when the chain was loosened, A climbed over the veranda railing, crossed the outer wall, and moved to the neighboring house. Wearing pajamas and barefoot, she ran outside the villa and was discovered by a resident who reported her to the police.

After receiving hospital treatment, A was discharged on the 11th as her health improved and is now under the protection of a care institution. Her health is reported to be recovering.

Under a temporary protection order from the court, A will be protected at a shelter going forward. If a formal protection order is issued, she may stay in an institution until she reaches adulthood at age 18, depending on the court’s decision.

The three younger siblings are also living apart from their parents in a facility due to concerns about mental abuse.