I'm Sorry, Jeong-In: The Death of a 16-Month-Old Adopted Girl

On October 13, 2020, 16-month-old Jeong-In, also known by her adoptive name, Ahn Yul-Ha, died due to severe abdominal injuries inflicted by her adoptive mother, Jang Hayeong, and adoptive father, Ahn Sungeun, although he claims that he was unaware of the abuse inflicted by his wife.

Jang was charged with murder and child abuse while Ahn was charged with child abuse and neglect. Ahn ultimately received a five-year prison sentence while Jang was sentenced to life in prison. Both sentences were handed down on May 14, 2021.

Public outrage quickly arose over the failure of the police or child service workers to intervene despite numerous calls and complaints of abuse made by Jeong’s teachers, relatives, and a pediatrician.

A Call to Social Workers

The pediatrician called social workers after finding multiple bruises on her body. She also noted significant weight loss which she perceived as evidence of child abuse. The Holt InternationalChildren’s Services did not follow up on the pediatrician's reports of abuse.

When Jeong-In was brought into a local hospital by her adoptive mother on October 13, 2020, she had suffered cardiac arrest and died a few short hours later. Staff took a CT scan of the infant and an autopsy as well. Both revealed that she had an abdomen full of blood, suffered multiple bone fractures in her arms, ribs, and collarbone, and bruises on her legs, face, ears, and neck. Her death was ruled a homicide caused by amputation of the pancreas and traumatic damage to the internal organs, including severe intestinal rupture caused by heavy external forces.

The forensics doctor testified that she suffered at least one other beating three to five days prior to her death. Both parents would have been home during this time since it was a holiday in South Korea.

Eight Months of Pure Hell

Jeong-In had been with the family since February 2020. The couple had a 4-year-old biological daughter whom they wanted a sister for, according to the adoption application. For eight months, Jeong-In was regularly beaten and starved because the adoptive parents did not like the smell of her feces. They forced hot food into her mouth, resulting in blisters around her lps. They often left Jeong-In home alone for hours at a time and locked her in a dark room each day starting at 7 pm. They torment Jeong-In by turning over her stroller to scare her if she cries. They slapped her when she cried and laughed as they did. They allowed Jeong-In to play near a swimming pool without adult supervision for an entire day and hang her by her armpits for no reason other than to cause her immense pain.

The parents sent Jeong-In to daycare on the day of her death. Daycare workers reported that she had been badly abused and could not walk or stand. They stated she did not eat and would not drink anything. Her belly was also swollen, yet she did not cry. She also did not have any soiled diapers the entire day. The daycare teachers called her mother who came and said she was fine.

When Jeong-In attempted to take a sip of milk, she began to shiver. The teacher expressed concern over Jeong-In’s behavior that day when the father picked her up that evening. He forced Jeong-In to walk, saying she was fine. The teachers insisted he take her to a hospital but again, he refused.

Jang finally took Jeong-In to the hospital the next day after shopping. She called a taxi but the driver noticed the baby turning blue and insisted she call an ambulance. She refused. Jeong-In passed away at the ER a short time later.

While medical staff attempted to resuscitate Jeong-In, Jang stood outside on her phone visiting various stores and shops on her phone. She was looking to buy a fish cake.

Jeong-In Had Been Stepped On

The forensic specialist concluded the injuries Jeong-In suffered to her abdomen were caused by being stepped on by adults several times. They testified in Jang’s trial that jeong-In was in immeasurable pain the final days of her life. They said she probably did not cry at daycare due to the pain and the difficulty she had breathing.

Reports of abuse began about two months after Jeong-In moved in with Jang. Despite three or more reports to social workers reporting suspected child abuse, the cases were either closed citing “unsubstantiated claims” or never investigated or followed-up with.