[On-site Video] "I Will Not Accept the Perpetrator's Apology"... Late Hwang Ye-jin's Mother Expresses 'Anguish'

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun, Intern PD Lim Hye-won] "We absolutely cannot accept an apology!"

A man in his 30s who brutally assaulted his girlfriend, ultimately causing her death, admitted to the charges in his first trial. The bereaved family raised their voices, saying they would never accept an apology or settlement request from the perpetrator.

The assault revealed during the trial was truly horrific. The man continued to beat the victim while straddling her, and CCTV footage released by the family shows the unconscious victim being dragged barefoot down a cold officetel corridor with her neck and waist twisted.

The Criminal Division 12 of the Seoul Western District Court held the first hearing on the 4th for 31-year-old Lee, who was indicted on charges of injury resulting in death. The prosecution stated that during the trial, Lee had a verbal dispute with the victim, pushed her forcefully causing severe impact to her head and abdomen, and even after she lost consciousness and collapsed, he continued to assault her by pinning her down.

Lee’s defense attorney admitted all charges and said, "He is willing to apologize to the victim’s side a hundred times over." He added, "He intends to settle, but has not attempted because he does not know the personal details of the victim’s family and it is difficult to approach them."

About 20 people, including the family and acquaintances of the late Hwang Ye-jin (25), appeared in court. Some sobbed when the prosecutor outlined the charges.

After the trial, Hwang Ye-jin’s mother met with reporters and said, "It will soon be 100 days since my child passed away. We had planned to travel together once the COVID-19 pandemic ended, but my child is no longer here," breaking down in tears. She emphasized that she has no intention of settling with Lee and urged for severe punishment.

Hwang’s mother stressed, "He talks about settlement and apology, but I have no intention whatsoever to settle." She continued, "To save himself, he fabricated an alibi, made false reports, tried to abandon my child again by moving her from the first floor to the eighth floor, and even changed her posture," expressing her outrage.

She raised her voice, saying, "I have no intention of accepting any settlement or apology from this perpetrator, this murderer." She added, "Until my child died, he never apologized. He did not visit while she was in the intensive care unit for three weeks, nor did he come to the funeral."

Regarding the court, she said, "My child did not die simply because of what is shown on the CCTV; there was a very difficult process leading up to it. I believe the court will reveal the truth." She urged, "I hope the court watches the CCTV footage and reviews the perpetrator’s materials carefully to accurately determine the cause of my child’s death."

On the issue of stronger laws against dating violence, she said, "I do not expect a law to be created just because my Ye-jin died." However, she pointed out, "Many perpetrators of dating violence have not been detained, and many victims have died." She continued, "Although the CCTV was released, there is still no legislative or systemic movement regarding dating violence laws. Attention is needed to prevent recurrence and pain. I ask for your support."

Meanwhile, the next hearing is scheduled for the 18th. At the prosecution’s request, Hwang’s mother will appear as a witness.