Teacher Remembers ‘Adored’ Children in Murder Trial Testimony

A teacher broke down in tears while giving evidence during the trial of Hakyung Lee, who is accused of murdering her two children, Minu Jo and Yuna Jo. The emotional testimony took place at the High Court in Auckland, presided over by Justice Geoffrey Venning. The trial is examining the tragic circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths, which occurred in 2018. Their bodies were discovered nearly four years later, hidden in suitcases purchased at an auction of abandoned storage unit contents.

Minu, aged 6, and Yuna, aged 8, were described as children who were “adored” by their peers and teachers. Their teacher recounted meeting Yuna when she was just five, noting that the girl had “a smile that lit up the world.” The teacher also remarked on Minu’s joyful nature despite facing challenges, including a speech impediment and a cleft palate. Several jurors were visibly moved during the testimony, with some wiping away tears.

During the trial, Lee, who is defending herself with the assistance of standby counsel, has admitted to causing her children’s deaths and placing their remains in suitcases. However, she asserts that she is not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming a “descent into madness” following the death of her husband, Ian Jo, in late 2017. The prosecution contends that Lee’s subsequent actions, such as renting a storage unit and fleeing to Korea, demonstrate that she understood the gravity of her actions.

The teacher, Robertson, described Lee and Ian as “caring parents” who were actively involved in their children’s education. She recalled the last time she saw Lee, when the accused informed her of her husband’s death. At that time, Lee indicated that she had not yet told the children and planned to take them on a holiday to the Gold Coast to create happy memories before delivering the news.

Lee’s brother-in-law, Jimmy Sae Wook Cho, also provided testimony, revealing that Lee had been reluctant to allow the children to visit their father in hospital as he struggled with cancer. He expressed concern for Lee’s mental state, noting that he had urged her to seek help, but she dismissed his concerns.

Evidence presented in court indicated that Lee’s use of the antidepressant nortriptyline—prescribed to her in 2017—was associated with the children’s deaths. A forensic toxicologist confirmed that while the drug was found in their bodies, determining the exact cause of death remains difficult due to the passage of time and the nature of the drug’s effects.

The trial is expected to continue for four weeks, as jurors hear more evidence about the circumstances leading up to the tragic deaths of Minu and Yuna. As the case unfolds, the emotional weight of the testimonies continues to resonate within the courtroom, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy on family, friends, and the broader community.

For those affected by issues related to mental health or suicide, support is available through various services. Free counselling can be accessed by calling or texting 1737, while Lifeline can be reached at 0800 543 354.