‘Iron Rod Murder’ Sports Center CEO... Sentenced to 25 Years in First Trial

Court: "Extremely Bizarre and Brutal"
Bereaved Families Show Agitated Reactions

The representative of a children's sports center, accused of killing an employee by damaging their organs with a 70cm rod, is being transferred to the prosecution at Seodaemun Police Station in Seoul on the 7th. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The representative of a children's sports center, accused of stabbing an employee with a metal rod while intoxicated and causing their death, was sentenced to prison in the first trial.

The Criminal Division 12 of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Andongbeom) sentenced Han Mo (40), who was tried on charges of murder, to 25 years in prison at 10:30 a.m. on the 16th.

The court stated, "The crime of murder is an irreplaceable act that infringes on a precious value," and added, "It cannot be restored by any means and such acts are unacceptable."

Furthermore, the court explained the sentencing rationale, saying, "The defendant beat the victim dozens of times with a metal rod and even pushed it inside the anus, killing the victim in a very bizarre and brutal manner," and "There is no sign of respect for the victim's dignity, so the responsibility is very heavy. Considering the victim's suffering and the lifelong, difficult-to-heal grief the bereaved family must endure, severe punishment is necessary."

Regarding the defendant's claim of diminished mental capacity, the court said, "The defendant claimed to have been taking smoking cessation medication and to have consumed more than three times his usual amount of alcohol," but added, "The fact that he was intoxicated alone does not indicate a state of diminished mental capacity."

Han was indicted on charges of murder for repeatedly assaulting a subordinate employee while drinking on or around December 30 of last year and causing death by pushing a sports rod into the victim's buttocks after the victim collapsed.

Meanwhile, after the sentencing, the bereaved family and acquaintances protested the verdict or shed tears. One family member shouted, "Is 25 years even reasonable?" and "I will watch you until you rot," but was restrained.