Changnyeong Abused Child's Guardian: "Body Recovered Enough for Discharge... Psychological Treatment Needed"

"Multiple Facilities to Be Recommended to Child Victims After Psychological Therapy"

A female child abuse victim in Changnyeong, Gyeongnam / Photo by Channel A

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] The director of the child protection center in charge of caring for A (9), the victim of the 'Gyeongnam Changnyeong Child Abuse Case,' stated that A has recovered enough to be discharged.

Park Mikyung, director of the Gyeongsangnam-do Child Protection Agency, appeared on CBS's "Kim Hyunjung's News Show" on the 12th and said, "A's weight has increased compared to when she was hospitalized, and her condition has stabilized enough for discharge," adding, "She is eating the food provided by the hospital very well."

Regarding the injuries A sustained from the abuse, she said, "The areas that were painful while she was hospitalized have healed to some extent," and added, "I think psychological treatment should be carried out now."

About A's behavior, she said, "There are no significant dark behaviors, and she speaks clearly and expresses her opinions well," and added, "She is also polite, saying 'thank you' to adults."

Director Park explained that there is no fixed institution where A will stay, saying, "She will receive treatment until she recovers psychologically, and once stabilized, we will guide her to various facilities," and added, "We plan to prioritize the child's choice in protective measures."

The case came to light after a citizen found A wandering on a road in Changnyeong around 6:20 p.m. on the 29th of last month, dressed in pajamas, and reported it to the police. At that time, A was reportedly injured with black bruises around her eyes.

In the police investigation, A testified that "my stepfather burned my fingers with a frying pan and assaulted me with an iron rod and a laundry drying rack." She also said that her biological mother burned her foot with a glue gun.

The Changnyeong Police Station booked stepfather B and biological mother C without detention on the 8th on charges of habitual abuse of A. Currently, A's stepfather and biological mother are hospitalized after causing a self-harm incident when a court issued a temporary protection order for A's three half-siblings.

The police plan to begin the investigation once the parents' conditions stabilize.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.