Private Academy Instructor Punished High School Student with Corporal Punishment over Study Attitude and Absence Issues, Fined in First Trial

High School Student Abuse by Academy Instructor Results in Fine

An academy instructor who abused a student by twisting a wooden stick inserted between the student's fingers for missing supplementary classes was sentenced to a fine.

On the 3rd, Ji Hye-seon, presiding judge of the Criminal Division 5 at Gwangju District Court, announced that Academy Instructor A (40), who was indicted for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes (Aggravated Punishment for Child Abuse by Workers at Child Welfare Facilities), was sentenced to a fine of 12 million won.

A, who runs an academy in Gwangju, is accused of physically abusing B (16), a first-year high school student and a student at the academy, multiple times between July 22 and 25 last year. At the time, A reportedly punished B for reasons such as "not listening," "not doing homework," and "missing supplementary classes."

A’s corporal punishment was severe. He inserted a wooden stick between B’s fingers and twisted it, and even used his fists to hit B’s arms, leaving bruises.

The court stated, "The defendant’s crime is a serious offense that can have a fatal impact on the growth and development of the victim child," and added, "Despite being in a position as an academy instructor to protect children, he inflicted sadistic physical abuse on the student." The court further explained the sentencing, saying, "However, considering the defendant’s remorse, lack of prior criminal record, and settlement with the victim, a fine was imposed, but to prevent recidivism, the defendant is ordered to complete a child abuse treatment program." The court also noted, "Taking into account the degree of disadvantage A may face, the order restricting employment at child-related institutions is exempted."

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