[Seocho-dong Legal Talk] Jeon Juhwan's 13th Apology Letter, Expert Says "Judging Sincerity Is Difficult"

Judge: The defendant has submitted handwritten documents expressing remorse several times. From the perspective of the witness who conducted related research and review, what do you think? Is there any basis to judge the sincerity of that remorse in this courtroom?

Witness: According to the materials, the defendant is not someone who experiences emotions in a limited way, but no emotional reactions such as sadness were observed during the criminal investigation. Of course, over time, the defendant may develop awareness and insight about the crime and newly say, 'I will accept the punishment willingly.' However, it seems difficult to judge sincerity based solely on these materials.

How should the remorse letter written by Jeon Ju-hwan (31, male), who committed a 'retaliatory murder' of a stalking victim who had accused him at the restroom of Sindang Station in Seoul, be evaluated? According to the court on the 11th, Jeon Ju-hwan, who was indicted on charges including retaliatory murder under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, has submitted handwritten remorse letters 13 times so far to the first trial court, the Criminal Division 25-1 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judges Park Jeong-gil, Park Jeong-je, Park Sa-rang).

Jeon Juhwan, the suspect in the 'Sindang Station Stalking Murder' case, is being transferred from the Namdaemun Police Station detention center in Jung-gu, Seoul, to the prosecution on September 21 of last year while in suspect status.

On the previous day in court, questions about Jeon Ju-hwan's remorse letters continued to be asked to a psychological evaluation expert who appeared as a witness. The defense attorney asked, "The defendant deeply regrets, feels great remorse toward the victim and the bereaved family, and is determined to live a life of atonement forever," and inquired whether Jeon Ju-hwan's behavior could be corrected.

The witness replied, "That is not for me to answer. Whether the defendant's claim of remorse is genuine needs to be examined separately."

When the defense attorney asked, "Can it be seen that the defendant, who believes punishment is deserved and intends to compensate financially as much as possible, is accepting responsibility?" the witness drew a line by saying, "It is unclear whether this is to reduce the sentence or because he truly feels responsible."

The witness also stated, "He has a strong self-centered tendency and often interprets situations subjectively. He reacts richly to his own emotions but is evaluated to have difficulty empathizing with others' positions or reactions," adding, "There is a considerable possibility of reoffending."

When the presiding judge asked, "Are you referring to various types of crimes including murder?" the witness explained, "If he cannot accept things against his own interests and thoughts, he may act in ways that infringe on others' rights."

The prosecutor emphasized, "There is no sign of repentance, and no possibility of rehabilitation in the future. He was already on trial for other stalking offenses, but instead of repenting and refraining from reoffending, he committed murder as retaliation for that very situation." He added, "It was a brutal act that took place in a public place," and said, "It instilled fear that anyone who faithfully lives day by day trusting the criminal justice process and judicial system could become a victim like this at any time."

The prosecutor requested the court to impose the death penalty, the highest sentence in the court, and also requested a 30-year electronic monitoring order (electronic anklet).

On the other hand, Jeon Ju-hwan's side pleaded, "Please show leniency and give a last chance." Jeon Ju-hwan, who entered the courtroom wearing a green prison uniform and sat with his back turned in the gallery, took out two prepared sheets during the final statement and read, "I committed an irreversible, absolutely unforgivable mistake (omitted)... I truly regret and repent all my actions sincerely."

The court concluded all the trial procedures and decided to hold the sentencing hearing at 2 p.m. on the 7th of next month.

Earlier, Jeon Ju-hwan is accused of killing a victim who worked as a subway station attendant in the women's restroom at Sindang Station on September 14 last year, after the sentencing date for the stalking crime case was set and a prison sentence was expected. After the victim's death, on the 29th of the same month, Jeon Ju-hwan was sentenced to nine years in prison at the Seoul Western District Court for stalking and illegal filming charges. He has appealed the first trial ruling on the stalking offense.