Life Sentence Requested for Man in His 40s Who Killed Wife with Long Sword During Divorce Lawsuit

Prosecution: "Usually Violent Disposition... Not a Momentary Rage but a Heinous Crime"
Jang: "I Believe Divine Punishment Is Just... I Will Live Repenting Forever"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The prosecution has demanded a life sentence for a man in his 40s accused of killing his wife with a weapon during a dispute amid their divorce lawsuit.

At the sentencing hearing held on the 26th at the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 14 (Presiding Judge Kim Dong-hyun), the prosecution stated, "The defendant stabbed the victim dozens of times with a weapon, and the victim's father, who witnessed the crime firsthand, will have to live with sorrow for the rest of his life," urging for a life sentence.

The prosecution added, "The defendant showed violent tendencies regularly and was obsessively controlling, preventing the victim from contacting other family members and acquaintances. Please consider that this was a heinous crime, not a momentary outburst," appealing to the court.

On the other hand, the defense attorney for the defendant, Jang (49), said, "He admits to the crime and deeply regrets it. However, please take into account his unfortunate upbringing and his strong desire to build a happy family, as well as that the crime was committed impulsively in a moment of anger."

Jang himself said, "I believe I deserve divine punishment and will live my life atoning for this. I bow my head and apologize to the bereaved family."

The sentencing for Jang is scheduled for the 16th of next month.

Jang was arrested and indicted on charges of stabbing his wife to death with a weapon at a villa in Hwagok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, around 2 p.m. on September 3 last year.

At the time of the incident, Jang had an argument with the victim over divorce issues, and when the victim asked her father, who was present, to film the argument, Jang became enraged and used a 'Nihonto' (Japanese sword) kept at home to kill his wife. The victim's father was reportedly unharmed.

Previously, claims were made that the victim had suffered domestic violence for several years. An acquaintance of the victim stated that Jang hit the victim in front of their children, strangled her, and frequently threatened her with the Japanese sword.