Minseok Kim, Gangseo District Council Member in Seoul:
"I Disclosed the Information for the Public Interest"
A local council member in Gangseo District, Seoul, has publicly disclosed the personal information of Mr. A, the perpetrator of the so-called "Busan Roundhouse Kick" incident.
On June 10, Minseok Kim, a member of the Gangseo District Council in Seoul from the People Power Party, posted on his social media account, "I am disclosing some personal information of the Busan Roundhouse Kick perpetrator for the public interest, as I am concerned that he might come to Gangseo District after his release." Kim revealed Mr. A’s facial photo, name, age, place of birth, and physical characteristics, among other personal details.
Previously, on June 2, the YouTube channel "Caracula Detective Agency" had interviewed the victim and then disclosed Mr. A’s personal information, which sparked criticism that this amounted to "excessive private punishment."
In response, Councilor Kim stated, "A YouTuber disclosing personal information could be problematic under the Information and Communications Network Act and other laws. Under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes, the perpetrator’s personal information cannot be disclosed unless it is for the public interest. I thought it would be too difficult for an individual YouTuber to bear the legal consequences of such disclosure," adding, "As a council member representing the residents, I decided to disclose the information myself in line with the public interest of protecting Gangseo residents."
He further emphasized, "I have nothing to gain financially from disclosing this personal information. I want to make it clear that this is solely for the public interest and for the future safety of our residents."
Kim also stated, "If the perpetrator files a complaint over the disclosure of his personal information, I hope he files it directly against me as a council member. I am prepared to face such legal action at any time," and added, "After his release, I sincerely hope he does not come to Gangseo District, Seoul."
The Busan Roundhouse Kick incident occurred at around 5 a.m. on May 22 last year in the lobby of an officetel in Jin District, Busan. Mr. A, a former security company employee, was indicted on charges of assaulting Ms. B by following her for over 10 minutes and suddenly kicking her in the head from behind. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison in the first trial.
However, on May 31, the prosecution amended the main charge to attempted rape and murder and requested a 35-year prison sentence. This was based on additional findings that Mr. A dragged the unconscious victim to a CCTV blind spot and undressed her. The prosecution stated, "A re-examination of the DNA on the victim’s clothing found the defendant’s DNA on her cardigan and jeans."
The appellate court’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. on June 12.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
