'Jeongin Incident' Stepfather Files Appeal with Court... Stepmother and Prosecution Yet to Do So

"Blocking the Last Chance to Save a Life"... 5-Year Prison Sentence in First Trial
Foster Father: "Admits Some Charges but Did Not Know About Abuse"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The adoptive father who was sentenced to prison for emotionally abusing 16-month-old adoptee Jeong-in and neglecting his wife's abuse has filed an appeal with the court.

According to the Seoul Southern District Court, the adoptive father Ahn Mo (38) submitted an appeal to the Seoul Southern District Court on the same day. Previously indicted on charges of child abandonment, neglect, and child abuse, Ahn was sentenced to five years in prison at the first trial held on the 14th. At that time, he was out on bail but was taken into custody in court following the sentencing.

The prosecution indicted Ahn in December last year on charges of failing to take any action while knowing that his wife Jang Mo (35) had neglected and assaulted Jeong-in, causing her body to become extremely weak, instead only considering his wife's feelings.

During the trial, Ahn claimed he was unaware of Jang's abuse. Jang also testified that she hid the abuse from her husband.

However, the first trial court stated regarding Ahn, "He was in a position to know Jeong-in's condition better than anyone else, yet he only offers unbelievable excuses that he was completely unaware of his wife's abuse," and "Considering that the day before Jeong-in's death, the daycare center director urged him to take Jeong-in to the hospital but he refused, thereby blocking the last chance to save the victim, it is inevitable to impose a severe punishment."

Immediately after the sentencing, Ahn told the court, "I will accept all punishments," but also requested, "Please take into consideration my eldest child at home until the second trial," which the court rejected and issued a detention warrant.

Meanwhile, it is known that Jang's side and the prosecution have not yet submitted an appeal. If an appeal is not filed within seven days from the date of the first trial verdict, the first trial's sentencing will be finalized. The first trial court recognized Jang's implied intent to kill under charges of murder, habitual child abuse, abandonment, and neglect under the Child Welfare Act, for which she was indicted while in custody, and sentenced her to life imprisonment.