"Help Forgive Debt" Landlord's Mother Causes Disturbance at Home... Eldest Son Causes Younger Brother's Blindness

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A man in his 40s who went on a rampage swinging a baseball bat at his mother’s house over property issues, causing his younger brother to lose sight in one eye while trying to stop him, was sentenced to a suspended prison term.

According to the court on the 7th, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 22 (Presiding Judge Lee Jooncheol) recently sentenced businessman Mr. A (46, male), who was indicted on charges of serious injury, to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 2-year suspension. He was also ordered to perform 120 hours of community service.

Earlier, on the night of January 15 last year, around 11 p.m., Mr. A swung a baseball bat in the living room of his mother’s house in Seocho-gu, Seoul, smashing furniture and home appliances. He was enraged because he tried to discuss resolving about 500 million won in personal debt, but his mother got scared and avoided the conversation. The building where the house is located was jointly owned by the mother and siblings.

During this incident, Mr. A’s younger brother Mr. B (40), who lived next door, came in to stop him, but Mr. A swung the baseball bat and hit him in the face. Mr. B suffered injuries requiring 60 days of medical treatment and, in particular, lost vision in his left eye. The prosecution indicted Mr. A on charges of serious injury and requested the court to sentence him to 2 years in prison.

In court, Mr. A’s side stated, "We admit all the charges and are reflecting on our actions." Mr. A’s lawyer explained, "Fifteen years ago, he inherited land as the eldest son and took on a loan debt of 500 million won, but the family promised to pay off the debt if he took over the land and did not provide a solution." He also appealed for leniency, saying, "The assault was not intended to injure (his brother) but occurred impulsively."

Mr. A also said in his final statement, "The monthly interest on the debt is 4 million won. I can’t even buy baby food for my child, so I feed them powdered formula," adding, "It pains me deeply that this accident happened, and I am very sorry to my brother."

The court pointed out, "The victim suffered vision impairment in his left eye, with little chance of recovery, and is expected to endure significant ongoing pain." However, the court also stated, "The defendant committed the crime impulsively, is deeply remorseful, and has promised to take full responsibility for medical expenses," and "considering that the victim does not want the defendant to be punished and that the defendant has no prior criminal record."

Since neither Mr. A nor the prosecution appealed, this ruling became final as is.