South Korean couple on trial for neglect following infant's death

A couple in their 20s is facing trial for the death of their six-month-old son following allegations of extreme neglect. According to prosecutors, the couple left the infant alone approximately 140 times between December 2023 and July 2024 to visit internet cafes or go on trips.

Evidence presented at the Daejeon District Court indicates the infant suffered severe malnutrition. Born weighing 3.62 kg, the child weighed only 3.68 kg at the time of death, having gained only 0.06 kg over six months. Prosecutors argue the parents failed to provide basic food, water, and hygiene, and allegedly avoided seeking medical help to prevent their neglect from being discovered.

The defendants have admitted to insufficient care but denied intent to kill. Their legal counsel argued that the charges should be downgraded from child abuse murder to child abuse death, citing the mother's attempts to provide fever reducers and perform CPR before seeking emergency medical assistance.