A shocking incident unfolded in Haenam County, South Jeolla Province, where a man in his mid-20s suffered injuries while attempting to stop a group assault on a middle school student, only to be accused of child abuse.

According to JTBC’s “Incident Room” on September 25, the incident occurred on June 6. Several middle school students urgently approached the man, identified only as A, shouting, “Our friend is being beaten by high school seniors!”

The assault took place in a nearby arcade restroom, where A witnessed five first-year high school boys hitting a second-year middle school student in the face and back. A tried to intervene, shouting, “Stop! I’ve called the police!” but the situation escalated further.

The attackers threatened A, yelling, “Do you want to die?” and physically assaulted him. A suffered facial lacerations requiring three stitches and was diagnosed with two weeks of recovery.

The victim student claimed he had been singing in a karaoke booth when the high school students suddenly dragged him out and attacked him. All parties involved were previously acquainted in the neighborhood.

Police responded to A’s call, confirmed the identities of the attackers and A, and left after collecting information. The attackers’ parents paid A’s medical expenses.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn. The parents of the high school students filed child abuse charges against A, claiming he struck one of the minors while attempting to stop the assault. Police confirmed it was a case of mutual assault, but because the aggressors were minors, A was formally accused of child abuse.

The incident has sparked outrage, raising questions about legal protections for adults trying to intervene in youth violence.

Sources: JTBC,MoneyToday