Man in His 40s Punches Father Who Told Him to Quit Drinking... Sentenced to Suspended Prison Term of 1.5 Years

On the 24th, Judge Park Dong-wook of the Chuncheon District Court's Criminal Division 3 sentenced Mr. A (43) to 1.5 years in prison, suspended for four years, on charges of child abuse under the Child Welfare Act, obstruction of official duties, and assault on an ascendant, for punching his father who had told him to quit drinking and find a job. The court also ordered Mr. A to undergo probation and complete 40 hours of classes aimed at preventing repeat child abuse offenses.

Mr. A's crimes began in July at his home in Chuncheon. When his father told him, "Stop drinking and find a job soon. Get your life together," Mr. A reportedly flew into a rage, hurled profanities, and punched his father in the face.

The violence then extended to his son. Mr. A called his son into the room and ordered him to sing a song, and when he refused, threatened him with a plastic soju bottle and shouted at him to take the 'Wonsan bombing' pose. When the son still refused, Mr. A threw a mobile phone at him, assaulting him.

When a police officer who responded to the son's report asked Mr. A to leave the residence to implement an emergency temporary measure against domestic violence, Mr. A refused and head-butted the officer.

The court rebuked Mr. A, saying, "The nature of the crime is poor, including assaulting his father and ordering his son to take the Wonsan bombing pose," adding that "he also has a record of being referred to court for obstruction of official duties and two child protection cases." However, considering that Mr. A admitted to and reflected on his crimes, is receiving treatment for alcohol dependence, and has vowed not to reoffend, the court handed down a suspended prison sentence on condition of probation, among other requirements.