On 25/6, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced a 20-year-old Vietnamese female student to 10 years in prison. The court found her guilty of abandoning her newborn, which resulted in the infant's death. The tragic incident occurred in December 2025, outside a building near Dongguk University in central Seoul.

According to the indictment, the student gave birth and then placed the newborn in a paper bag. She left the infant outdoors in harsh winter weather conditions. Despite a swift response from police and rescue teams, who rushed the baby to a hospital after receiving a report, the child did not survive.

The defendant (center) in December 2025 appearing for a detention order hearing. Photo: *Yonhap*.

Authorities stated the student arrived in South Korea on 12/12/2025, while pregnant, to attend a short-term Korean language course. Just hours after her arrival, around 6:25 p.m. on the same day, she gave birth. She then abandoned the child and left the scene.

Additionally, a friend who accompanied the student faced charges for assisting during childbirth. This individual received an eight-month suspended prison term. The court chose not to disclose the identity, gender, or age of this person.

The court stated, "The defendant must bear severe responsibility commensurate with her actions." This case has ignited extensive debate regarding legal responsibility and the necessary support for pregnant women facing difficult circumstances.

Hai Thu (According to Yonhap, Korea Times)