Home Alone... The Punishment Given to the Man Who Was a 'Weekend-Only Dad'

Elementary School Student Living Alone During Weekdays While Father Is Away for Work

A man in his 50s who only visited his son, who was 'Home Alone,' on weekends was sentenced to a suspended prison term.

The Ulsan District Court (Criminal Division 5, Presiding Judge Han Yun-ok) announced on the 7th that it sentenced Mr. A, who was tried for violating the Child Welfare Act, to 8 months in prison with a 2-year suspension. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 40 hours of lectures aimed at preventing recidivism in child abuse.

Mr. A is accused of leaving his elementary school-aged son alone at their home in Ulsan from July to October 2021 and only visiting on weekends.

According to the Ulsan District Court, he lived in a nearby city during weekdays due to work and only returned to the home in Ulsan on weekends.

The elementary school-aged son was effectively living alone, attending school, and taking care of his meals by himself, according to the investigation.

The court stated, "The defendant neglected the basic care and education, including food, clothing, and shelter, necessary for the child who requires protection, and showed no intention to improve."

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