"Married Me for Money"…Wife Brutally Murdered One Month After Wedding

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[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] A man who killed his wife less than a month after registering their marriage, having started cohabitation in June last year, was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

A (59), who began living with his wife B (59) in June 2020, was dissatisfied as B frequently demanded money while not disclosing her whereabouts when returning home late or staying out overnight.

On the night of July 23, 2020, while drinking at home with B, A questioned their married life. He asked B, "It doesn't feel like married life," and "Are you after my money and deceiving me?" This was less than a month after they began cohabiting.

In response to A's question, B said, "I can't live with you like this," and attempted to stay out overnight again. Unable to control his anger, A shouted, "You must die," and repeatedly stabbed and slashed B's entire body with a weapon.

After collapsing, B requested, "Please call 119," but A ignored this and fled the scene.

After leaving the scene, A went to a neighbor's house and asked them to report that he had stabbed his wife with a weapon. Two hours later, A returned and was urgently arrested by the police. Meanwhile, B was transported to the hospital but eventually died during treatment.

The Criminal Division 1 of the Chuncheon District Court Wonju Branch (Presiding Judge Jo Young-gi), which handled the first trial, judged that A had a definite intent to kill based on the circumstances and motive of the crime, the weapon used, the targeted areas and repetition of the attack, and his behavior immediately after the crime.

The court explained its reasoning, stating, "Although the defendant had registered the marriage less than a month ago, he brutally killed the victim simply because she did not live the married life according to his wishes, used unpleasant language, and said she wanted to separate." It added, "Considering the circumstances and content of the crime and the seriousness of the outcome, the guilt is very heavy, and the defendant was not forgiven by the victim’s family," sentencing A to 20 years in prison.

However, the court dismissed the prosecution's request for electronic monitoring device (electronic anklet) attachment and probation order, stating, "Considering the defendant’s criminal record and nature of the crime, it is difficult to see that he has a violent tendency to commit murder again, and the risk of recidivism was evaluated as moderate."

Meanwhile, A appealed the first trial verdict, claiming it was unfair due to the heavy sentence. He argued, "At the time of the crime, I was intoxicated and committed the act in a rage after being insulted by the victim with words like 'you ignorant fool,' but I had no intent to kill." The next hearing is scheduled for June 9.