Hakyung Lee, a new New Zealand citizen who immigrated from South Korea as a teenager. She was convicted of killing her 2 children, Yuna and Minu Jo. The high-profile case has attracted considerable media spotlight. It revealed a terrifying chain of events that resulted in the tragic deaths of young siblings in a small home in a southern Auckland suburb.
Born Ji Eun Lee Smith, Hakyung Lee immigrated with her parents to New Zealand when she was 13. Her radicalization only deepened after her sudden personal loss at an early age with the passing of her father shortly after she turned 18. In 2006, she married Ian Jo, whom she’d met at church—a love story with a whirlwind courtship. Together, they adopted two more kids, growing their family to six. Lee greatly enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom. Then all that changed when her husband was diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer in early 2017. He finally lost that battle with the disease in November of that year, plunging Lee into a profound emotional and psychological crisis.
After her husband’s death, it has been reported that Hakyung Lee’s health and mental well-being significantly declined. Her friends and family recognized a drastic shift in her demeanor. Her mother, Choon Ja Lee, said Hakyung was refusing to eat and that Hakyung seemed to have “no desire to live.” Then one day in June 2018, Hakyung made a decision. This decision, it appears, is a result of her struggle with identity following the death of her husband.
The Events Leading to the Tragedy
In an unexpected turn, Hakyung Lee admitted that she provided her children with a lethal amount of nortriptyline. She dissolved the drug in their juice. The attack took place in their home in Auckland. She further connected it to the delusional beliefs developed from her mental health challenges.
Crown prosecutor Natalie Walker noted, “Sometimes we can never know why people do the things they do.” Psychologist Darci Lee indicated that the stress of potentially facing solo parenting after her husband’s death could have pushed Lee over the edge. Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Hakyung had written statements about wanting to die with her children. “If you die, I will die with our two kids,” she reportedly said, a comment that her mother believed was made out of despair rather than intent.
As the trial progressed, it became evident that Hakyung Lee had taken advantage of her husband’s death. She diverted his life insurance payouts to fund several vacations taken after his death. This additional detail only added more questions about her mental state in the days and weeks leading up to the tragic events. Dr. Kelly, the psychologist who assessed Lee, determined that by this time, Lee had formed “delusional beliefs.” These misconceptions prevented her from reaching out for care and caused her to question whether anyone could help her.
Legal Proceedings and Verdict
Hakyung Lee (left) under arrest by the South Korean police, prior to extradition to New Zealand in late 2022. At her trial, she confessed to the slayings, but asserted an insanity defense. The jury took slightly more than two weeks to deliberate before they issued a verdict.
Crown prosecutor Natalie Walker emphasized the gravity of Hakyung’s actions: “It was not the altruistic act of a mother who had lost her mind and believed it was the right thing to do; it was the opposite.” This last remark really bolstered the prosecution’s case. They argued that this was not a case of a momentary lapse in judgment and instead that Lee’s actions were premeditated.
During the entire process, family members worried over Hakyung’s health and safety. As her brother-in-law pointed out, she had just been struggling to adjust to life since Ian’s passing.
A Family’s Heartbreak
This case’s impact on the lives of family and friends has left them in deep sadness and frustration. Mary Robertson, a family friend, mentioned that they “really wanted to know how they could help,” highlighting a sense of helplessness amid their desire to support Hakyung during her struggles.
Choon Ja Lee, Hakyung’s mother, wipes away tears as she recalls her daughter’s discussions about death and how she never imagined they would come to fruition. “I think she said it without intending just because she was upset,” she said, indicating that she did not foresee the tragic outcome that would follow.
