A special education teacher accused of emotionally abusing the son of renowned webtoon artist and broadcaster Joo Ho-min was acquitted in the appeals court, while Joo Ho-min announced a temporary halt to his activities.
On the 13th, Joo Ho-min opened up through the bulletin board of his YouTube channel 'Jupearl,' saying, "Today, there was a ruling in the second trial regarding the emotional child abuse case involving our child."
Earlier that day, the Suwon District Court's Criminal Appeals Division 6-2 (Director General Kim Eun-jeong, Kang Hee-kyung, Kwak Hyung-seop) overturned the original judgment and acquitted the special education teacher, identified as A, who was indicted for violating laws related to child abuse crimes.
Joo Ho-min, who attended the appeals ruling session with his wife, told the press, "I am very upset, but I respect the court's decision." Joo Ho-min further stated, "I realize through this ruling how difficult it is to prove when a child with disabilities suffers (in school). I think various system improvements are needed." He mentioned he would leave the decision on appealing to the prosecution.
Through his channel, Joo Ho-min reiterated his position, stating, "The second trial court did not address whether abuse occurred but focused on the legal efficacy of the evidence proving it, leading to an acquittal. Although this result was different from our hopes, we respect the court's decision."
He added, "I know the prosecution is reviewing whether to appeal, and our family plans to quietly observe that process," adding, "How can we prove the abuse of a child with disabilities, which is difficult to express? I still have not found the answer, and my heart is heavy."
Joo Ho-min also stated, "For the time being, I want to quietly be by my family's side. Even if I step away for a while, I will not forget the love and support you have shown us. Our family will remember that sentiment for a long time."
Meanwhile, A is accused of emotionally abusing Joo Ho-min's son by making statements such as "You have very bad habits," "Oh, I dislike it," "I dislike it so much," "I dislike you too. I really dislike you" in a customized learning class at an elementary school in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on Sept. 13, 2022.
The investigation began when Joo Ho-min's side placed a recording device in his son's coat and reported A to the police for child abuse based on the recorded contents; in the first trial last year, A was given a suspended fine of 2 million won.
However, the appeals court that acquitted A determined it could not recognize the evidential capacity of the secretly recorded audio file, which was at the center of the case.
Below is the full text of the post on Joo Ho-min's YouTube channel 'Jupearl.'
Hello, this is Joo Ho-min.
Today, there was a ruling in the second trial regarding the emotional child abuse case involving our child.
The second trial court did not address whether abuse occurred,
but focused on the legal efficacy of the evidence proving it, leading to an acquittal.
Although this result was different from our hopes, we respect the court's decision.
I know the prosecution is reviewing whether to appeal,
and our family plans to quietly observe that process.
How can we prove the abuse of a child with disabilities, which is difficult to express...
Still unable to find an answer, my heart is heavy.
For the time being, I want to quietly be by my family's side.
Even if I step away for a while, I will not forget the love and support you have shown us.
Our family will remember that sentiment for a long time.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]