Child-abusing judge under scrutiny

By Jung Min-ho

A Korean judge, who was fined for leaving her two children in a car while shopping in Guam last week, is now under scrutiny here.

A Suwon District Court official said Tuesday the court is looking into the case to decide whether to punish the judge, who was arrested with her husband on Oct. 2 for leaving their six-year-old boy and one-year-old girl in a car while shopping.

The children were found “sweating profusely” and “unresponsive” to rescue personnel who made repeated attempts to wake them, according to local media KUAM News.

The couple was released the next day after paying a combined fine of $1,000.

Their action would not be deemed illegal here unless it was maliciously intended. But under Korean law, a judge who tarnishes their own image could be penalized.

The Korean Bar Association also plans to investigate her husband, a lawyer who works at a major law firm here.

But experts say it is unlikely they will end up with serious punishment.