Woman Sentenced for Emotional Abuse of Child Over Bullying Claims

A 44-year-old woman, identified as A (A씨), has been sentenced to a fine and probation for emotionally abusing an 11-year-old boy, B (B군), whom she accused of bullying her son. The Incheon District Court, presided over by Judge Kim Ji-hoo (김지후), imposed a fine of 3 million won and a one-year suspended sentence on July 31, 2025. A씨, who is reported to be a university professor, was charged under the Child Welfare Act for her actions on October 25, 2023.

On that day, A씨 confronted B군 outside an apartment complex in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, and threatened him, saying, 'You better watch out when you’re around the neighborhood.' She also demanded B군 provide her with his father's phone number, boasting about her academic credentials and warning him not to touch her son again.

During the trial, A씨 denied the allegations, claiming her comments were intended to teach B군 that bullying is wrong. However, the court found sufficient evidence to support B군's account of the incident. Judge Kim noted that B군's testimony was consistent and detailed, indicating he had experienced the events firsthand. Following the incident, B군 contacted his mother in distress and sought counseling for an extended period.

The judge emphasized the serious implications of child abuse, stating that such crimes can adversely affect a child's development. He acknowledged that A씨's actions appeared to stem from a reaction to her son's experiences with bullying, which influenced the sentencing decision.