Jeongin's Adoptive Parents' Second Trial First Hearing Today... First Trial Sentenced Adoptive Mother to Life Imprisonment, Adoptive Father to 5 Years Imprisonment

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The first appeal trial for the adoptive parents accused of abusing and causing the death of 16-month-old adopted child Jeong-in will be held.

According to the court on the 15th, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 7 (Chief Judge Seong Suje) will conduct the first appeal trial at 2:30 PM on the same day for adoptive mother Jang and adoptive father An, who were indicted for violating the Child Welfare Act and other charges. Witness examinations for one witness requested by the prosecution and one by Jang’s side are scheduled to take place.

Previously, Jang was prosecuted for repeatedly abusing her adopted daughter Jeong-in from March to October last year, leading to her death. An was also indicted for neglecting to prevent the abuse. At the time of death, Jeong-in’s body was found with broken ribs and clavicles, and her pancreas was completely severed.

During the two previous appeal trial preparation hearings, Jang’s side denied the fact that she stepped on the victim’s abdomen and denied any intent to kill. However, they admitted the fact that Jeong-in died as a result of Jang’s actions. An’s defense attorney denied all charges.

Initially, the prosecution charged Jang with child abuse resulting in death, but during the first trial, the murder charge was designated as the "primary charge," and the existing charges were designated as "subsidiary charges."

Jang admitted to the abuse in court but denied the murder charge, yet the first trial court sentenced her to life imprisonment, stating that "implied intent to kill is recognized." An was sentenced to five years in prison. Both adoptive parents were also ordered to complete 200 hours of child abuse treatment programs and were banned from working in child-related institutions for 10 years. Both the adoptive parents and the prosecution appealed the verdict, citing reasons such as factual errors and excessive sentencing.

Meanwhile, both Jang and An changed their lawyers upon entering the second trial. Jang entrusted her defense to a public defender, while An hired a former judge as his attorney.