'20s Biological Mother and Stepfather Sentenced to 30 Years in Second Trial for Killing 8-Year-Old Daughter After Abuse'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] A couple in their 20s, a biological mother and her spouse, who killed their eight-year-old daughter after repeatedly abusing her by withholding food and frequently assaulting her, were sentenced to heavy prison terms in the appellate court as well.

The Seoul High Court Criminal Division 6-2 (Presiding Judges Jung Chong-ryeong, Jo Eun-rae, Kim Yong-ha) on the 8th sentenced A (28, female) and her spouse B (27, male), who were indicted while in custody on charges including murder and habitual child abuse, to 30 years in prison each, the same as the first trial. The orders to complete a child abuse treatment program and a 10-year ban on employment at child-related institutions were also upheld as in the first trial.

The couple was indicted for abusing and causing the death of their third-grade elementary school daughter C (8) at their home in Jung-gu, Incheon, on March 2.

Investigations revealed that the couple frequently abused C by hitting her with hangers or fists and forcing her to do push-up-like exercises called 'updeureo ppeochyeo' (lying face down with arms and legs stretched out), citing reasons such as C lying or secretly eating food.

In particular, from August last year, they fed C only plain rice without side dishes or starved her by not giving any food or water all day, which deteriorated her health. Two days before C’s death, A forced her to shower in cold water after urinating while still wearing clothes, stripping off all her underwear, and left her in an unheated bathroom for about two hours without properly drying her body. B was found to have played games in the living room with their nine-year-old son even after seeing C collapsed and immobile in the bathroom.

A had C and a son with her ex-husband and divorced before marrying B in 2017.

The first trial recognized the two’s guilt for murder charges. The appellate court’s decision was no different. The appellate court stated, "The defendants habitually abused the victim, resulting in the victim’s death, an extreme outcome. It is difficult to see that there was a legitimate disciplinary purpose or that the methods used were appropriate."