Mother Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Abusing Infant to Death

A mother has been sentenced to life imprisonment for repeatedly beating her 4-month-old baby and abandoning him in a bathtub, leading to his death. The court handed down a severe sentence, recognizing that the abuse continued for nearly half of the child's life. The mother, identified as Ms. A, was indicted on charges of child abuse resulting in death. She is accused of assaulting her son, 'Haedeun' (pseudonym), at their home in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, in October last year, causing his death. Investigations revealed that Ms. A's abuse occurred over approximately two months and involved 19 separate incidents.

The father, Mr. B, indicted on charges of child abuse by negligence, was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison in the first trial. It was also revealed that he had engaged in sex work on the day the baby died.

The court ordered both parents to complete a 40-hour child abuse treatment program and be restricted from employment at child-related institutions for 10 years. Prosecutors are considering an appeal, deeming Mr. B's sentence to be too lenient.