Two Teachers Arrested for Systematic Abuse of Disabled Children at Language Development Center in Busan

In a shocking revelation, two teachers at a private language development center in Busan have been arrested for the systematic abuse of over 20 disabled children receiving language therapy. The Busan Police Agency's Women and Youth Crime Investigation Unit announced on May 23 that the former teachers were taken into custody on charges of habitual child abuse. The center's director has also been charged with violations of the Child Welfare Act and has been referred to the prosecution.

The investigation began after parents reported incidents of child abuse, prompting police to analyze three months' worth of security camera footage from the center. According to police reports, the footage revealed disturbing scenes, including a teacher choking a 7-year-old child with speech difficulties, pushing another child's head, and pinching them. In one instance, a 6-year-old child was seen gagging after a teacher covered their mouth with a hand. Another child suffered a head injury after being struck by a teacher, causing them to hit their head against a table.

Police confirmed that a total of 26 children aged 6 to 7 were victims of abuse, significantly higher than the four children initially reported by the center. Authorities are investigating the possibility that the teachers may have engaged in organized abuse against the children.

Parents have expressed concerns that the abuse may have persisted for over a year, stating, "We trusted the center with our children, only to find that they targeted those who could not speak."

In response to the allegations, the center has terminated the employment of the two teachers involved, and local authorities have initiated an on-site investigation.