Anchor: Prosecutors are seeking a murder conviction against the adoptive mother of a 16-month-old girl known as Jeong-in. She died last October after allegedly suffering months of abuse by her adoptive parents. The mother has denied the charge, claiming that she never intended to abuse or kill the toddler.
Choi You Sun reports.

Report: The prosecution has added a murder charge to one of child abuse resulting in death on Wednesday, in a case involving the death of a 16-month-old girl who was allegedly abused by her adoptive parents.

Prosecutors say they have now confirmed relevant facts in consultation with three forensic pathologists, whereas previously it remained unclear what type of force was used to cause the toddler’s fatal abdominal injuries. As such, murder will be the main charge, with the original child abuse charge to be secondary.

The state investigative agency argued at the initial hearing Wednesday that the adoptive mother, surnamed Jang, repeatedly stepped on the girl's abdomen, causing severe pancreatic damage, well aware that her actions could lead to death.

The woman denied the murder charge, saying while she takes responsibility for neglecting to take care of her daughter, which led to her death, she did not use blunt force to intentionally abuse or kill her.

Jang admitted to shoving the toddler on her abdomen and back and shaking her while holding her by the arms, before dropping Jeong-in due to pain from a recent surgery.

Jeong-in's adoptive father, surnamed Ahn, who was indicted on charges of child abandonment and neglect without pretrial detention, will stand trial concurrently.

The case sparked public outcry after a local broadcaster recently brought it to light for the second time, detailing the alleged abuse and circumstances that led to the toddler's death. Petitions were filed on the presidential website, urging authorities to charge the parents with murder.

The police, a regional child protection agency and Jeong-in's adoption agency all came under fire for failing to prevent the tragedy despite the alleged abuse being reported three times.

The National Assembly scrambled to pass revisions to a relevant law, requiring local governments or law enforcement to immediately launch an investigation following reports of child abuse.
Choi You Sun, KBS World Radio News.