"To the Perpetrator Student's Parents, 'My Blood Boils'... Judge Also Outraged by Jeju Group Assault"

Court: "The harm is indescribable... Do not force the victim to settle"

On the 19th, a trial was held for two teenage youths who committed retaliatory group assault.

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Park] Two teenage youths who committed indiscriminate retaliatory group assault for reporting their school violence have appeared in court.

On the 19th, the 2nd Criminal Division of Jeju District Court held the first trial for Ms. A (18) and Ms. B (18), who were prosecuted for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (retaliatory injury, etc.).

Ms. A and Ms. B are accused of calling the victim, Ms. C, to an elementary school gymnasium in Jeju City on October 31 last year and assaulting her indiscriminately, causing injuries requiring two weeks of treatment. They verbally abused Ms. C and slapped her on the cheek and chest or strangled her because Ms. C reported the school violence they had committed against others. They also trampled on Ms. C after knocking her to the ground to prevent her from getting up again.

At the time, the police reportedly responded to a report from Ms. C and her group but only advised them to go home. They are also accused of dragging Ms. C around and threatening her at an apartment in Jeju City, saying, "I will burn you with a cigarette lighter," after the police left.

The court addressed their parents, saying, "The damage is indescribable. If the victim were my own child, my blood would boil," and added, "Do not expect rational or reasonable behavior from the victim. Whether the victim is humiliated or kneels, you must soothe the victim’s feelings."

The court also warned Ms. A and Ms. B, stating, "There were several other students at the scene at the time of the incident, and the victim currently attends the same school as those students," and "If those students pressure the victim to settle, there will be unfavorable consequences."

Meanwhile, the court decided to hold a second trial at 2 p.m. on July 14 to investigate sentencing materials.