A special education teacher previously found guilty of emotionally abusing the son of webtoon artist and TV personality Joo Ho Min has been acquitted on appeal.

On May 13, the Suwon District Court’s Criminal Appeals Division 6-2 overturned the original ruling and found the teacher, identified as A, not guilty of violating the Child Welfare Act and the Welfare of Disabled Persons Act.

In the initial trial, the court had deferred a sentence of a 2 million KRW fine, essentially putting the ruling on hold for two years—after which it would be nullified if no further offenses occurred. However, the appeals court ruled that the secret recording used as key evidence could not be admitted in court, as it violated Korea’s Protection of Communications Secrets Act.

The recording in question was made by Joo’s wife, who had placed a device in their son’s jacket. It captured A saying to the child, “You have terrible manners. I hate you. I really do.” The prosecution claimed this constituted emotional abuse, particularly as the child is autistic.

A was charged in 2022 and appealed the initial ruling, stating concerns that it could discourage other teachers—especially special education staff—from carrying out their duties.

Following the not-guilty verdict, Joo Ho Min released a short statement: “It’s very upsetting, but I respect the court’s decision.”

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