Tutor at Study Room Abuses 12-Year-Old Student with Words Like 'Social Misfit' and 'Schizophrenia'

Heavier Sentence in Second Trial than First... 5 Million Won Fine Imposed
Judges: "Dangerous Remarks That Could Hinder Child's Normal Development"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] A tutor at a study room who called a student attending the room a "social misfit" and "schizophrenia patient" received a heavier sentence in the second trial than in the first trial.

According to a report by Yonhap News on the 30th, the Criminal Appeals Division 3 of Cheongju District Court (Chief Judge Kim Seungjoo) sentenced Mr. A (40), a study room tutor who hit and verbally abused a 12-year-old student who swore and defied him, to a fine of 5 million won.

Mr. A, who runs a study room in Jincheon-gun, Chungbuk, repeatedly told student B (then 12 years old) in June 2020, who showed insincere behavior such as using a mobile phone during class, "If you don't correct your bad habits, you might become a social misfit." When B reversed his decision about attending the study room, Mr. A scolded him over the phone, saying, "Do you have schizophrenia?" Mr. A was also charged with physical abuse for hitting B several times when B swore and defied him.

In the first trial, Mr. A's physical abuse was found guilty, but the remarks "social misfit" and "schizophrenia" were judged not guilty. The first trial court stated, "It appears that Mr. A, while experiencing emotional distress during the guidance process of B, made abusive and mocking remarks in an agitated state," and sentenced him to a two-year probation with a fine of 5 million won. The court judged that Mr. A's remarks did not excessively harm B's mental health.

However, the second trial court's judgment differed. The second trial court stated, "Mr. A's remarks are perceived as very inappropriate by social standards," and "They do not appear to be remarks made out of necessity due to lack of other educational methods." Regardless of B's poor attitude, Mr. A's remarks, which demeaned the student's character, constitute emotional abuse. Furthermore, the court emphasized, "Considering the repeated physical and emotional abuse of B over a considerable period, Mr. A's remarks posed a risk that could hinder the child's normal development," and "Although Mr. A seemed to have difficulties in guidance, such reasons do not justify abusive behavior."

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