On 25/3, the Incheon District Court not only imposed the fine but also ordered the former baseball coach to participate in a 40-hour child abuse treatment program.

Presiding Judge Kim Ji-hoo stated that video evidence showed the defendant, in his 30s, pinching the child's cheek for approximately five seconds, causing the child to lift their heels.

"Considering how long the defendant pinched the child's cheek and with what force, as well as the child's reaction, the court found this action exceeded the scope of discipline and constituted physical abuse," Judge Kim said.

Incheon District Court. Photo: *Korea Herald*

However, the court acquitted the former coach of separate charges. These allegations claimed that ordering students to run 100 laps around the field in one hour 30 minutes or perform 500 push-ups also constituted abuse.

According to the judge, while these actions were inappropriate for a teaching role, it could not be concluded that they exceeded the bounds of impropriety to the extent of criminal mental abuse.

Explaining the verdict, the court reasoned that the defendant's misconduct, causing physical pain to the child, was not minor. However, because it occurred during the training and instruction of the victim and other team members, it was difficult to consider the act intentional.

The former coach denied all charges, claiming the parents' accusations were malicious.

Tue Anh (via Korea Herald)