When I received a report from the residents saying that I could still hear the child’s cries, the related agency went out and opened the door. Twelve-year-old and six-year-old siblings were living in a house full of trash. The six-year-old was so weak that he couldn’t walk alone. There was also a story that the oldest kid bought food at the convenience store every day, as if there was no one who provided meals. As a result of the JTBC interview, it was found that the children had been living in this environment for at least two months ago.
Reporter Yoo Sang-jin reported.
[기자]
It is a residential area in Yangchon-eup, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do.
On the 18th, a 12-year-old and 6-year-old brother and sister were found neglected by the police here.
The starting point was a call from a villager who heard a crying child every evening.
[A씨/건물주 : 저녁에, 새벽에 아기가 울고 무슨 소리가 시끄럽게 난다고 해서 (행정복지센터) 사회복지과에 전화했죠.]
Administrative welfare centers, police, and child protection organizations have launched.
The house I visited was full of trash.
My 6-year-old sister was found weak and uncomfortable.
It was also said that children were neglected at least two months ago.
[A씨/건물주 : 라면 껍데기 같은 거, 먹고 남은 것이 지저분했고. 변기도 막혀 있어서 (뜯어내서) 보니까 일회용 하얀 수저도 있더라고요.]
Building owner A said that it was the first time he knew he had a younger brother.
[A씨/건물주 : 거실에 아기가 하나 안겨 있어서…그전에는 아들 하나만 있는 줄 알았거든요.]
These families have lived here since three years ago.
Mother B raised the children alone, but the rent has been pushed for nearly 10 months since the end of last year.
My 12-year-old brother, who did not go to school due to Corona 19, often bought meals at a nearby convenience store.
[C씨/편의점 직원 : 주로 라면도 사 가고 소시지도 사 가고…이틀에 한 번씩은 왔죠.]
The brothers and sisters are protected by a specialized agency for child protection in Bucheon City.
The Gimpo Police Department is investigating how long his mother B was charged with neglect and how long the children were neglected.
Mr. B communicated his position to the JTBC reporters by text message.
“Whatever the situation, it is true that children were left unattended.”
“I don’t want to avoid mistakes by using the situation as an excuse,” he said and “I’m so sorry for the kids.”
(Video Design: Subi Hwang)