Parents Who Lost Daughter to Dating Violence Urge Legislation ... "National Assembly, Respond"

"My daughter lost her life due to dating violence. I pleaded for change so that no one else would suffer this pain, but nothing has changed. I have no idea what the National Assembly is doing."

The mother of victim A, who was involved in the so-called "Geoje Dating Violence Death Case," made this statement after the first trial.

The bereaved family of the victim in the so-called 'Geoje Dating Violence Death Case' is speaking with reporters.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

According to the police and prosecution, on April 1, A suffered serious injuries requiring six weeks of treatment after being assaulted by her ex-boyfriend B, and died ten days later while receiving medical care.

On that day, B went to A's apartment, unlocked the door with the password, broke in, and climbed on top of A, who was sleeping, and repeatedly struck her head and face.

B also made excessive approaches (stalking), calling A 14 times and visiting her home when she did not answer.

B was arrested and attended the first trial held at the Tongyeong Branch of Changwon District Court on the 20th, facing charges of injury resulting in death, home invasion, and stalking.

The parents of the victim in the so-called 'Geoje Dating Violence Death Case' are heading to the courtroom building of Tongyeong Branch, Changwon District Court, Gyeongnam, where the first trial is being held.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

A's father said, "I hoped no one would ever have to go through what my daughter did. I asked for the law to be revised so that there would be no second or third victims, but recently, the same thing happened again."

"Currently, dating violence cases are often handled with warnings or released after mutual agreement as mutual assault, but this must change," he emphasized. "No matter how old they are, dating violence must be reported to the parents. It's hard for victims to talk about it, even to family or friends."

"My daughter never said she was being abused until she died, and even though the incidents kept happening, no police officer ever informed us," he lamented. "We thought she was doing well and ended up losing her without knowing anything."

A's mother said, "These incidents keep happening and are constantly reported in the media, but lawmakers seem only interested in their own politics," and urged, "Please work to enact stricter punishment laws for perpetrators of dating violence and stalking."

The national petition posted by the bereaved family of the victim in the "Geoje Dating Assault Death Case" has garnered 60,000 signatures as of 1:50 PM on the 20th. [Image source=National Assembly of the Republic of Korea National Petition]

Previously, on the 14th, A's parents posted a petition titled "Request for Improvement of the System Related to Dating Violence" on the National Assembly's public petition board.

In the post, they claimed, "While the victim was in the emergency room, the perpetrator was sleeping comfortably at her house. After being released from emergency arrest the day after our daughter died, he went out drinking with friends and said things like, 'I broke up with my girlfriend. I'll study, get into a better university, and meet a better girlfriend,' showing no remorse at all."

"Even during the three days of the funeral, there was no condolence visit or call to ask for forgiveness," they added.

"The perpetrator was only indicted for injury resulting in death, home invasion, and stalking," they said. "Even after causing someone's death, the minimum sentence is just over three years in prison, so he will still be in his twenties when he gets out."

They appealed, "Please pay attention so that proper punishment is given and a precedent is set, so that there will be no second victims," and demanded: ▲ a complete overhaul of the dating violence investigation manual ▲ increased sentencing for assault, injury resulting in death, and stalking by acquaintances among family and couples ▲ enactment of a law specifically punishing dating violence.

This petition received support from over 50,000 people in just three days and was forwarded to the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly.

If the committee deems the legislation appropriate after review, the bill can pass the National Assembly and be amended into law.

A's parents stated, "We will join forces with other bereaved families who have experienced the same pain to ensure the enactment of a law punishing dating violence," and urged, "Please take action in the National Assembly so that no more families lose loved ones to dating violence and stalking."

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