[Comprehensive] On the Day Jeong-in's Adoptive Mother Was Charged with Murder, Political Circles Unite in Saying "We Will Reform the System"

First Trial of the 'Jeong-in Incident'... Murder Charges Applied to Foster Mother
Political Circles "Need to Review Child Abuse Response System," "Will Take Responsibility to Eradicate Child Abuse"

On the morning of the 13th, gifts and messages left by citizens in memory of Jeong-in, who died at 16 months old due to abuse by her adoptive parents, were placed at Hi Family Andersen Park Cemetery in Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] As the adoptive mother accused of abusing and causing the death of 16-month-old adopted child Jeong-in has been charged with murder, on the 13th, the political circles unanimously emphasized their commitment to establishing laws and systems to eradicate child abuse.

Kang Seon-woo, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, said in a written briefing that morning, "The tragic death of one child brings out the grief and anger of countless adults. For a child, parents are everything in the world. The remaining adults must now take full responsibility to ensure that the pain of a child who was abandoned and hurt by the whole world does not happen again."

He continued, "Silent abuse occurring within the home, combined with the indifference of surrounding adults who think 'it can't be,' can put a child's precious life and safety at risk. We will carefully examine policies to protect every single child in our society without any shortcomings. We will do our best to uphold the saying, 'Every child is a child of all of us.'"

Finally, Spokesperson Kang raised his voice, saying, "There is another child who is currently separated from their parents and experiencing fear without understanding the reason. That is Jeong-in's older sister, another victim of child abuse. Please join us so that the rights of another child who must live in our society can be protected."

The People Power Party also promised to improve laws and systems to eradicate child abuse. Kim Ye-ryeong, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in an oral comment that day regarding the first trial of the Jeong-in case, "It shows the judiciary's strong will to eradicate child abuse and prevent the occurrence of a second or third Jeong-in."

In particular, she said, "What is noteworthy is that the prosecution changed the indictment to apply murder charges to the adoptive mother, and the court accepted this."

She added, "It is our responsibility, duty, and mission of the era for all of us living today to protect and guide the children, the future of Korea, so that they can live happily and dream of the future in a normal world. The People Power Party promises to improve laws and systems to ensure that such tragedies never recur and to create an environment where children can play freely without violence and abuse."

On the 13th, the first trial of the adoptive parents accused of abusing and causing the death of their 16-month-old adopted daughter, Jeong-in, was held at the Seoul Southern District Court. Adoptive father Ahn is seen leaving the court after the trial.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The Justice Party called for a review of the child abuse response system. Cho Hye-min, spokesperson for the Justice Party, said in a briefing at the National Assembly communication office, "It is only sad and heartbreaking that a child who lived just 16 months has passed away. When recalling the many children who lost their lives due to child abuse, although efforts were made to reduce blind spots and gaps in child protection, the protection system did not function properly," she pointed out.

She continued, "It is necessary to review and analyze why the existing child abuse response system did not work properly. It is time to revisit the institutional gaps that were socially considered 'minor'."

The People’s Party also expressed regret over the 'Jeong-in case' and pledged to work to prevent recurrence of child abuse. Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, held a meeting on child abuse prevention and response at the National Assembly that morning and said, "I express deep regret over the police response to the Jeong-in case and ask for vigilance to prevent such incidents from happening again."

He added, "Despite three reports, proper investigations were not conducted, and the opportunity to save the child was lost. The party will actively engage in legislative activities to enable local police to objectively assess the risk of child abuse on site and respond wisely in the future."

On the 13th, the first trial for the adoptive parents accused of abusing and causing the death of their 16-month-old adopted daughter, Jeong In, was held. Citizens are protesting in front of the Seoul Yangcheon District Southern Branch Court.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to media reports, earlier that day, the court held the first trial for the adoptive mother Jang, charged with violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes (child abuse resulting in death) and other charges. The trial for the adoptive father A, charged with violating the Child Welfare Act (child abuse, etc.), was also held together. In this trial, the prosecution applied additional murder charges to the adoptive mother by requesting an amendment to the indictment, which the court approved.

Meanwhile, dozens of citizens gathered in front of the courthouse from early morning, holding picket protests demanding murder charges against Jang and severe punishment for the adoptive parents. Protesters wore white masks with the word "Death Penalty" written in red letters and held pickets with phrases such as "We are Jeong-in’s mom and dad" and "Murder charge, death penalty."

In particular, dozens of condolence wreaths were lined up in front of the court and prosecution, mourning Jeong-in and urging the application of murder charges to the adoptive mother charged with child abuse resulting in death.