Prosecutors Demand 5 Years Imprisonment for Taxi Company CEO in Beomshin Death Case of Bang Yeonghwan

"No Sign of Serious Reflection"

The prosecution has requested a prison sentence for the taxi company CEO who was tried on charges of assault and intimidation against taxi driver Bang Yeong-hwan, who self-immolated and died while demanding the implementation of a full salary system.

Prosecution.
Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

At the sentencing hearing on the 25th at the Seoul Southern District Court, presided over by Judge Choi Seon-sang of Criminal Division 10, the prosecution stated, "The defendant denies the charges and shows no sincere remorse, claiming no responsibility for Bang's death," and requested a five-year prison sentence.

The prosecution added, "The defendant unjustly dismissed the victim and, after the victim barely reinstated through litigation, deliberately refused to pay wages, continuously despised, assaulted, and threatened the victim, ultimately causing the decisive reason for the self-immolation death," and "Within less than a month after the victim's death, the defendant repeatedly struck a worker 20 years older than himself, causing serious injuries, abusing his social status and authority to continuously oppress workers."

Bang's legal representative also stated, "This case is no different from the defendant directly setting fire to the victim's body," and requested a severe punishment considering that the defendant shifted responsibility onto the victim and formally deposited bail for sentencing purposes.

In his final statement, Jeong said, "I reflect on all the wrongdoings I committed and will strive to never stand in court again," appealing, "I hope for leniency through wise judgment."

Jeong's lawyer said, "It appears that multiple circumstances were involved in the deceased's death," and requested a fair judgment without injustice, considering that agreements were reached with other victims and that condolences and bail were deposited for the deceased Bang.

Jeong is accused of assaulting Bang in March last year while Bang was conducting a solo protest condemning wage arrears and urging the implementation of a full salary system. In April of the same year, he is also charged with verbally abusing and obstructing Bang's assembly, and in August, threatening Bang by attempting to throw a flowerpot during a protest.

Bang attempted self-immolation on the road in front of the company on September 26 last year, the 227th day of his solo protest, and died ten days later on October 6.

The first trial sentencing for Jeong will be held on the 15th of next month.