An 80-Year-Old Who Lived with His Ex-Wife for 43 Years Killed Her Over 'Money Issues', Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] An octogenarian who killed his ex-wife after more than 40 years of marriage was sentenced to 18 years in prison. The couple, who had nine children, experienced conflicts over financial issues.

According to the legal community on the 4th, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 26 (Chief Judge Kim Raeni) sentenced Choi Mo (83), who was indicted on murder charges, to 18 years in prison on the 2nd.

Choi was indicted for killing his ex-wife, Ms. A, by repeatedly swinging a blunt weapon and a sharp weapon he had prepared in advance on the street in Seoul on May 31.

Choi had been married to Ms. A for 43 years and had nine children, but they divorced in 2009 due to financial difficulties. During this process, Choi demanded part of the land compensation money for land he had gifted to their children, but all were refused. In particular, Choi filed a lawsuit related to a nominal trust against Ms. A and obtained a court mediation order requiring "Ms. A to pay Choi 200 million won," but Ms. A refused, stating, "I will offset it with a claim exceeding 200 million won that I lent to Choi in the past." Eventually, Choi found out Ms. A's address and went to commit the crime.

The court pointed out, "Before killing, Choi waited for Ms. A for several hours, took photos to confirm her, and did not stop the crime even though passersby tried to intervene." It added, "The children have suffered a lifelong, irreparable deep wound from their father killing their mother, and some are pleading for severe punishment."

However, the court cited as reasons for sentencing that Choi admitted to the crime and committed it out of despair, feeling abandoned despite a lifetime of devotion to his family.