[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Kang Yoon-sung (57), who is accused of cutting off his electronic monitoring device (electronic anklet) and murdering two women.
On the 26th, at the Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 12 (Presiding Judge Lee Jong-chae), during a trial by jury, the prosecution requested the jury and the court to sentence Kang, who is on trial for seven charges including robbery-murder, murder, fraud, obstruction of official duties, violation of the Act on the Attachment of Electronic Devices, violation of the Specialized Credit Finance Business Act, and violation of the Telecommunications Business Act, to death.
The prosecution stated, "He took the lives of several innocent people, and since there is no guarantee that no further victims will occur, we have no choice but to seek a severe sentence."
Kang was serving a sentence for special forcible sexual assault until May last year, when he was ordered to wear an electronic anklet and was released from Cheonan Prison. He is accused of murdering two women in August last year for the purpose of resolving financial issues such as entertainment expenses.
The prosecution emphasized that the murders were premeditated crimes. They explained, "Although a weapon was not used to commit the murder, it was used to subdue the victims, so the defendant's claim that it was not a premeditated crime cannot be accepted."
Additionally, they added, "The defendant had multiple serious criminal records, and the motive was purely economic without any grudge."
The defense attorney stated, "The death penalty in the Republic of Korea is an exceptional and carefully chosen measure," and requested, "Please show the maximum leniency allowed by law."
In his final statement, Kang said, "I deeply apologize to the victims and their families," and added, "I will repent and reflect while wishing for the deceased's happiness."
Meanwhile, the sentencing for Kang is expected to be announced as early as today.
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