Prosecutors have sought heavy prison sentences for a couple in their 30s indicted on charges of abusing and causing the death of their two-year-old daughter.

During the sentencing hearing held today (the 29th) by the Daejeon District Court Criminal Division 11 (Presiding Judge Park Woo-keun), prosecutors asked the court to sentence the biological father, surnamed A, to life imprisonment.

A 15-year prison term was requested for the biological mother, surnamed B.

Prosecutors also requested that both individuals be ordered to complete 80 hours of child abuse treatment programs and face a 10-year employment restriction at child- and youth-related institutions.

Regarding A, prosecutors pointed out, "Even considering the stress of raising a victim born prematurely with poor health conditions, the degree of abuse inflicted on the victimized child was severe and repetitive."

They added, "While admitting to some of their crimes, they attempted to minimize certain facts and conceal them by coordinating stories with their spouse."

Regarding B, prosecutors stated, "The case is extremely grave as she habitually assaulted and killed the child alongside her husband."

However, they added that they took into consideration factors such as "the abuse committed by B was less severe compared to A, the decisive cause of death appears to have been provided by A, and she needs to raise her remaining children."

The couple was indicted on charges of abusing and killing their two-year-old biological daughter at their home in Seo-gu, Daejeon, on December 16, 2024.

Prosecutors believe that the day before the death, the couple fed their daughter spicy Buldak Bokkeum Myeon sauce, which is intended for adults, and then dropped her on the floor while bathing her.

It was investigated that sensing the child's condition was poor, they put soju in a medicine bottle and fed it to her without taking her to a hospital.

It was learned that the child was born prematurely and received intensive treatment in a pediatric intensive care unit for over a year.

Prosecutors believe the couple began repeatedly beating the child around October 2024, when she returned home from the intensive care unit for the second time.

An autopsy revealed that the child suffered fractures to her skull and ribs.

Investigations showed she had bruises on her body and was in a state of malnutrition.

Medical appraisal results reportedly indicated that the child, who was in a state of intoxication after being fed soju by the couple, would have experienced greater difficulty in breathing.

In court, A cited "high stress" as the reason for the abuse, but stated, "I did not know the child would die."

B claimed that feeding the spicy sauce was intended to stimulate the child's appetite.

She also responded to the effect that she gave her soju thinking it would help with blood circulation after hearing stories about elderly people in rural areas giving alcohol to children.

The couple's defense counsel pleaded for leniency, stating, "They had a very hard time raising a total of four children, including the victimized child, without any outside help, and it was difficult to endure day-to-day life amid economic hardships, leading to actions that should not have been taken."

In his closing statement, A said, "I am reflecting on my actions and regret committing acts that should not have been done."

B said, "I committed wrongful actions and want to ask the child for forgiveness."

The sentencing hearing will be held on October 22.

(Photo: Yonhap News)