"Treating Friends Like Toys... Where Did They Learn This?" The Outrageous Acts of Teenagers That Even Angered the Judge

Court Sentences 1 Year 6 Months Imprisonment with 3 Years Probation

Teenagers who committed cruel acts against a friend were sentenced to prison with a suspended sentence. The court reprimanded them, asking, "How did you learn not to treat people like human beings?" but decided to show leniency considering the victim's wishes.

Cheonan Branch of Daejeon District Court [Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 27th, Yonhap News and others reported that the Cheonan Branch of the Daejeon District Court Criminal Division 1 (Chief Judge Jeon Gyeong-ho) sentenced A (17) and another person, who were indicted without detention on charges including extortion, to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year suspension.

A and the others were tried on charges of repeatedly committing cruel acts such as hitting and bullying their friend, the victim, since 2022. It was even reported that despite having once received leniency from the victim, they continued their abusive behavior.

The court pointed out to them, "Looking at the nature of the crimes, did you treat the victim as a fellow human being, or did you see them as nothing more than a toy?" and reprimanded, "How did you learn not to treat people like human beings?" The court also scolded, "The defendant showed an insincere attitude during the investigation, and it is doubtful whether their remorse in court is genuine."

However, since the victim submitted a letter expressing no desire for punishment, the court dismissed the prosecution on some charges of assault and incitement to assault, which fall under the category of offenses that cannot be prosecuted without the victim's consent. Under current law, assault and threats that fall under such offenses cannot be punished if the victim expresses that they do not wish for the perpetrator to be punished.

The court explained the sentencing by saying, "Strict punishment seems necessary," but also stated, "Considering that after the incident they moved away and no longer have contact with the victim, and that the victim agreed and expressed a wish not to pursue punishment, leniency will be shown this time."

Additionally, regarding C, who was simply involved in the crime, the court decided to transfer him to the juvenile division, stating, "Since he shows remorse, protective measures rather than punishment are necessary."