[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A man in his 40s who threatened a game company with a weapon after squandering game points purchased with about 100 million won in cash and tried to get them back was sentenced to a suspended prison term.
According to the court on the 17th, Judge Shim Hyun-geun of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 11 recently sentenced Kim (49, male), a self-employed person indicted for attempted special extortion, to six months in prison with a two-year suspension. He was also ordered to perform 80 hours of community service.
Kim, a user of an online Go game created by game company A, was prosecuted for visiting the office of company A located in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and threatening operator B (54) after losing all the game points he purchased by transferring 100 million won in cash on December 2 last year.
Kim sent a message to B's account saying, "I will bring a hammer. It won't just be on the news. I will cut off your lifeline," and the next day, he headed to the office carrying a sledgehammer and a can of thinner, according to the investigation.
At the office, he shouted, "Come out, person in charge. I won't let this go," threatening that he might inflict physical harm on B if the game points were not returned. However, his extortion attempt was unsuccessful as he was caught in the act by the police who responded to a 112 emergency call.
Judge Shim stated, "Since the risk caused by the defendant's crime is considerable, punishment corresponding to the responsibility is necessary," but added, "However, the defendant showed an attitude of admitting and reflecting on all the crimes, and since the crime was only attempted and no actual harm occurred, the victim does not seem to wish for the defendant's punishment," explaining the sentencing rationale.
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