Former Abuse Victims Protest Return of Director to Orphanage

13 years after a shocking child abuse case, former victims are protesting the return of the orphanage director.

On October 2nd at 9 PM, MBC's 'True Story Exploration' will delve into the child abuse incident at an orphanage and allegations of fraud involving a man married to a woman with intellectual disabilities.

In 2013, a child abuse case at an orphanage in Chungcheong Province outraged the public. Children took to the streets with placards, pleading for an end to the violence within the orphanage. Their desperate cries shocked society, leading to the resignation of Director Park, who was held responsible. Now, 13 years later, what has become of those children who stood on the streets?

Baek Dan-bi (alias), a security officer at a university hospital, has been working for six years. She pursued a degree in security because she enjoyed protecting others. Abandoned at an orphanage just two days after birth, she spent 17 years there. How does she remember that place?

Meeting with the 'True Story Exploration' team, Dan-bi (alias) cautiously shared memories she tried to forget. She vividly recalled the cold room without a boiler, known as the 'timeout room,' where she was isolated, listening to the ticking clock in silence. To her, that room remains a haunting memory.

Now 29, Dan-bi (alias) received shocking news: Director Park, who had stepped down due to child abuse allegations, returned to the orphanage. Why did she return? In a rare interview, Director Park revealed her complex emotions. Approaching retirement, she wanted to leave a positive legacy for the children and tie up loose ends.

Director Park hesitated to apologize, fearing it might be seen as an admission of past wrongdoings. However, she expressed a desire to convey words she couldn't say to the children 13 years ago, drawing attention.

In a small coastal village in Jeollanam-do, a unique family resides. Lee Soon-ae (alias), who has a physical disability, diligently cares for her husband with an intellectual disability and their two daughters. One day, she received a shocking photo: a 'secret wedding' picture of her youngest daughter, Ha-yoon (alias), who was working away from home to support the family.

Ha-yoon (alias), who has a mild intellectual disability, met a man online in January 2025. They quickly grew close and married just three days after meeting. However, after Ha-yoon's (alias) marriage, strange occurrences began for the family. They started receiving mysterious bills and overdue notices in their names.

The amount billed to Ha-yoon (alias) was a staggering 14 million won for a used car loan. Her sister, who has a severe intellectual disability, was billed for various services like funeral plans and English education. The accumulated debt from services they neither used nor requested amounts to approximately 25 million won. The 'True Story Exploration' team, investigating the misuse of the family's identities, encountered an unexpected individual.

The culprit behind the identity theft was none other than Ha-yoon's (alias) husband, Moon Hyung-nam (alias). He is currently under investigation for fraud, extortion, and violating the Welfare of Disabled Persons Act. However, Moon's (alias) family made a shocking claim: they allege that Ha-yoon (alias) orchestrated everything, pretending to be disabled to receive benefits. Whether their claims hold any truth will be revealed on 'True Story Exploration' airing at 9 PM.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr