[Exclusive] Mother Detained for Leaving Middle School Son Alone for Long Period in Trash-Filled House

Violation of Child Welfare Act Charges
Consciousness Not Properly Resolved... Assistance from Nearby Churches and District Offices

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] A woman who made a middle school child live in a house filled with garbage has been handed over to the prosecution.

According to a summary of Asia Economy's coverage on the 1st, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul arrested and sent a woman in her 40s, identified as A, to prosecution on the 29th of last month on charges of violating the Child Welfare Act.

A is accused of leaving a middle school child alone without care for six months from March to August this year in a house located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

A police official said, "The child was living alone in a house full of garbage without proper food," and added, "Measures were taken to provide assistance through the district office and others."

The police who received the report arrested A near Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, on the afternoon of the 26th of last month, and the court later issued an arrest warrant citing concerns of flight and evidence destruction.

A is known to have a prior criminal record related to child protection.

Meanwhile, those who abandon children or neglect basic protection, care, treatment, and education including food, clothing, and shelter may face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won.