KBS Gokgwaegi Rampage: 40-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison in Appeal Trial

3-Year Prison Sentence Requested in First Trial... 1 Year 6 Months Sentenced
Defendant Appeals for Leniency, "I Apologize to KBS"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The prosecution has again requested a three-year prison sentence in the appellate trial for a man in his 40s who caused a disturbance by breaking the glass window of the KBS radio studio with a pickaxe.

On the 4th, the prosecution requested a three-year prison sentence at the appellate trial verdict hearing for A (48), who is accused of special property damage and obstruction of business, held at the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Appeals Division 1 (Chief Judge Byun Sung-hwan).

A was previously sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison by the first trial court on December 9 last year. The first trial court also ordered A to pay approximately 33.9 million won to KBS, the claimant for compensation. The defense appealed on the grounds that the sentence was excessive, while the prosecution appealed arguing that the sentence was too lenient.

At the verdict hearing, the defense argued, "The defendant responded after the crime that he believed the broadcasting station was wiretapping him," and added, "It does not appear that the incident was committed in a normal state." Furthermore, "The defendant's sister has made efforts to restore the damage, but the amount is considerable and the damage has not been fully compensated. The defendant and his family deeply apologize for this."

A also said, "I sincerely apologize to KBS and will do whatever it takes to compensate for the damage."

A was indicted for breaking the glass window of the exterior wall of the KBS public radio hall with a pickaxe on August 5 last year at around 3:40 p.m., during a live broadcast.

A, who was arrested on the spot by the police, reportedly stated during the police investigation that "someone has been wiretapping me for 25 years."