"Claiming 'It's Just Because I'm from Gyeongsang': Government-Certified Postpartum Caregiver Sparks Newborn Abuse Controversy"

Suspected Abuse of One-Month-Old Baby in Daegu
Caregiver Admits After CCTV Footage Released
Claims, "It Only Looked Rough"

Allegations have emerged that a postpartum caregiver with 10 years of government-certified experience repeatedly assaulted a one-month-old baby, sparking public outrage. CCTV footage released online shows the caregiver striking and roughly handling the newborn. As the controversy spreads, questions are being raised about the overall management and verification systems for such caregivers.

CCTV footage filmed last October at a home in Daegu. The video shows a postpartum caregiver handling a newborn roughly, sparking widespread controversy. Online community

On January 19, a post titled "Postpartum Caregiver Who Slapped a One-Month-Old Baby" was uploaded to an online community, along with related video footage. The author, identified as A, stated, "A postpartum caregiver with 10 years of government-certified experience committed acts of violence against a one-month-old baby and consistently lied about it, eventually hiring a lawyer. This behavior is simply unacceptable."

According to A, the incident occurred in Daegu in October of last year. A explained, "The victim was a baby not even a month old. The caregiver is a woman in her 60s with more than 10 years of government-certified experience and a background as a kindergarten teacher. She introduced herself as a 'professional postpartum caregiver.’"

A claimed, "The violence was repeated simply because the baby was crying. The caregiver struck the baby's cheeks several times, hit the baby's head, and even put the baby down almost as if throwing, subjecting the infant to unimaginable physical abuse." A added, "This was not a one-off incident; it continued for at least four days, and just watching the footage was deeply shocking."

The caregiver initially denied the assault during the early stages of the police investigation, but reportedly admitted to it after being presented with the CCTV footage. However, she is said to have explained her actions by claiming, "It only appeared rough because I am from Gyeongsang Province."

In response, A expressed outrage, saying, "How can striking and roughly handling a newborn be excused as just being 'rough'? Is she saying it is acceptable to hit a baby just because she is from Gyeongsang Province?"

A also claimed that after hiring a private lawyer, the caregiver continued to deny responsibility without offering a sincere apology or reflection, causing the baby and family to suffer severe psychological distress. A emphasized, "I sincerely hope that strict and just legal judgment will be delivered."

As the story spread, online reactions included comments such as, "It was painful to watch the entire video," "Government certification and experience mean nothing," and "There is a need to strengthen the management and verification of those working in childcare professions," reflecting widespread criticism and concern.