Prosecutors Appeal for 25-Year Sentence of Sports Center CEO in 'Stick Murder' Case

Reasons for Unfair Sentencing

The representative of a children's sports center, accused of killing an employee by damaging their organs with a 70cm stick, 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 prosecution has appealed the first trial sentence of 25 years in prison for the sports center CEO accused of stabbing an employee to death with an exercise rod while intoxicated.

The Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office filed an appeal on the 21st against the Seoul Western District Court, which sentenced CEO Han (41) of the sports center to 25 years in prison.

The Criminal Division 12 of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Andongbeom) sentenced Han, who was indicted on charges of murder while in custody, to 25 years in prison on the 16th. The prosecution had demanded life imprisonment for Han at the sentencing hearing on the 23rd of last month.

The court stated, "The crime of murder is an act that infringes upon an irreplaceable and 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 that the bereaved family must endure, severe punishment is necessary."

Han was indicted on charges of murder for repeatedly assaulting the victim, a subordinate employee, while drinking on or around December 31 of last year, and pushing an exercise rod into the victim's buttocks, causing death.

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 get out," but was restrained.