30s Teacher Who Corporally Punished 1st Grade Elementary Student, Original Fine Sentence Upheld

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] The fine imposed on an elementary school teacher who physically punished first-grade students and frequently used abusive language was upheld in the appellate court.

Today (2nd), the Criminal Appeals Division 5 of Daegu District Court (Presiding Judge Seong-yeol Kim) announced that it dismissed both the defendant's and the prosecutor's appeals against elementary school teacher A (31), who was charged with child abuse under the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes for physically punishing students. A was previously sentenced to a fine of 9 million won in the first trial last August and had appealed the decision.

Earlier, A was brought to trial on charges of physical and mental abuse against first-grade students in a classroom at an elementary school in Gyeongbuk in April 2019. It was revealed that A subjected the students to so-called "eolcharyeo" (disciplinary exercises) and group physical punishment such as "lie face down and stretch out." Additionally, during class, A expelled some students to the hallway, isolating them from other students and preventing them from attending the lesson.

On the other hand, A reportedly told the vice principal, who instructed not to impose group physical punishment, "Do not infringe on the teacher's discretion," and filed complaints against the principal, vice principal, and parents who pointed this out, accusing them of obstructing official duties. During the trial, A claimed, "It was educational guidance," and argued that "the students perceived the somewhat raised voice as abusive language," but the court did not accept these claims.

The court noted that some of the victimized children complained to their parents about physical pain and stated, "The defendant ignored the disciplinary steps set by the school regulations and administered corporal punishment causing physical pain." Furthermore, the court explained the reasons for dismissal, considering "the defendant's denial of some charges and lack of remorse, as well as the fact that after the incident, the defendant received a suspended indictment for special property damage, special injury, and violation of the Minor Offenses Act."

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