"How Dare You Tell Me to Go to the Smoking Area" - 21-Year-Old International Student Brutally Assaults Security Guard [Seocho-dong Legal Story]

Leaving for Hong Kong without Proper Apology
Asked About Agreement Progress, Father’s Contact Provided
Court: "No Serious Remorse Shown," Suspended Prison Sentence Given

Not directly related to the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Around 5 a.m. on July 6 last year, Mr. A (21, male) took out a cigarette and smoked at the entrance of a first-floor officetel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. He was a university student studying in Hong Kong but had temporarily returned to Korea.

At that time, security guard Mr. B (63, male) requested, "Please smoke in the designated smoking area." Mr. A ignored him and continued smoking.

After smoking, Mr. A returned home and lay down. He felt unwell and thought he had been disrespected by Mr. B. Suddenly, he got up and went out through the front door.

He saw Mr. B patrolling the hallway on the 9th floor and shouted, "Do I look like a f***ing idiot to you?" Then he pushed Mr. B’s chest, causing him to fall to the floor, and threatened, "Who the hell do you think you are telling me where to smoke or not? Just try looking at me. I’ll gouge your eyes out."

Eventually, Mr. A began repeatedly kicking Mr. B’s body and head while he was down.

"Please stop hitting me. I was wrong. Please spare me." Mr. B pleaded with both hands. However, Mr. A’s assault did not stop.

As a result, Mr. B suffered a concussion and bruises, requiring about three weeks of recovery. The prosecution indicted Mr. A on charges of assault.

According to the prosecution, Mr. A did not properly apologize to Mr. B and left for Hong Kong, where his university is located, during the investigation.

When contacted by the investigative agency asking if he intended to settle with the victim, Mr. A replied, "I am currently in Hong Kong," and provided his father’s phone number.

On the 16th, according to the court, Judge Min Suyeon of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 26 recently sentenced Mr. A to four months in prison with a one-year probation period. He was also ordered to perform 120 hours of community service.

Judge Min criticized, "The defendant insulted and threatened the victim, who made a legitimate request, simply because he felt bad, and cruelly continued to kick him with his feet, showing very bad criminal behavior." The judge also said, "It does not appear that he is sincerely reflecting on his crime."

However, the judge took into account that "the victim received 17.5 million won from the defendant’s parents and agreed not to seek punishment, and that the defendant has a history of mental health difficulties related to emotional issues and has received treatment."

Meanwhile, Mr. A has appealed the first trial verdict.