Prosecutor General Sends Handwritten Letter to Busan Kicking Victim: "Will Listen to Victims' Voices"

Prosecutor General Lee Responds to Kim Jinju's Message of Gratitude
with a Handwritten Letter and Books

Prosecutor General Lee Wonseok responded to a message of gratitude from Kim Jinju (pseudonym), the victim in the so-called 'Busan Kicking Incident,' by sending her a handwritten letter and books.

Recently, Kim left a message in the 'Conversation with the Prosecutor General' section on the prosecution's official website, stating, "If it hadn't been for the prosecutors, I would have given up my lonely fight long ago." She added, "Although the retaliatory trial is still ongoing, if it hadn't been for your instructions, the 121 loopholes would not have been uncovered."

Books and letters sent by Prosecutor General Lee Wonseok. Photo by Jinju Kim, Yonhap News

Previously, in October 2022, after the perpetrator, identified as Lee, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempted murder in the first trial of the kicking incident, Prosecutor General Lee reportedly issued a special directive to collect samples from 121 areas of the clothing Kim was wearing and request a re-examination from the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office. As a result of the analysis, the perpetrator's DNA (genetic test) was detected on the inside of the jeans, and new charges of sexual assault were added, leading to a heavier sentence being sought. Lee was sentenced to 20 years in prison on appeal, and the sentence was finalized in September last year.

Kim said, "The Prosecutor General has been a great inspiration to me, as I always make sure to listen to his consistent statements on behalf of victims." She also wrote, "Even now, it is extremely rare for a living victim to challenge the investigative system," and urged continued efforts for crime victims.

In response, Prosecutor General Lee sent a handwritten letter along with two books: Chanel Miller's 'Dear My Name' and Na Taejoo's 'Handwritten Poetry Collection.' In his letter, Lee wrote, "While reading, I once again empathized with your pain and resolved to fulfill the prosecution's role as a protector of the people even more thoroughly. I will do my utmost to listen more closely to the voices of victims and to stand firmly by their side in the future."

In response to Lee's letter, Kim said, "A single sentence offered to a victim can lead to death or extend life," and added, "Thanks to this letter, I truly want to live."