Jeongin's adoptive mother appeals first trial life sentence... files appeal petition

Appeal Filed One Week After First Trial Verdict

The first trial sentencing hearing for Jeong-in's adoptive parents, who were indicted on charges including abuse that led to the death of 16-month-old Jeong-in, will be held on the afternoon of the 14th at the Seoul Southern District Court. On the morning of the same day, people searching for Jeong-in held a protest rally in front of the Seoul Southern Detention Center. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Jang, the adoptive mother accused of causing the death of 16-month-old adopted child Jeong-in through abuse, has appealed the life sentence handed down in the first trial.

According to the Criminal Division 13 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Lee Sang-ju), Jang submitted a notice of appeal to the court on the 21st. This day was the last day for both Jang and the prosecution to file an appeal.

Jang was sentenced to life imprisonment at the first trial sentencing hearing held on the 14th. The court also ordered her to complete 200 hours of a child abuse treatment program and imposed a 10-year employment ban at child-related institutions.

Jang claimed there was no intent to murder, but the court recognized murder by implied intent. The bench stated, "The defendant began to abandon or neglect the victim by only asserting her own feelings and circumstances, and committed emotional and physical abuse against the victim," adding, "Eventually, she caused the victim’s death through heinous acts such as forcefully kicking the victim’s abdomen with her foot, an act that is unimaginable."

It continued, "After being adopted, the victim suffered unimaginable fear due to cruel mental and physical abuse amid the defendant’s neglect and coldness, and the last spark of life was extinguished by the defendant," further stating, "The defendant’s criminal acts are inhumane crimes that brutally trampled on the dignity and value of human beings guaranteed by the Constitution, and it is necessary to indefinitely isolate the defendant from general society."

Meanwhile, the adoptive father, Ahn, also submitted a notice of appeal to the court on the 18th. Ahn, who was indicted without detention on charges of child abuse and child abandonment/neglect, was sentenced to five years in prison and was taken into custody in court.