‘Gyeongbokgung Spray Graffiti' Young Man in His 20s Released on Probation with Prison Sentence in First Trial

A man in his 20s who was prosecuted for spray-painting graffiti on the wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace was sentenced to a suspended prison term in the first trial.

On the 28th, the 24th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Choi Kyung-seo) sentenced Seol, who was detained and prosecuted for violating the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, to two years in prison with a three-year suspension. He was also ordered to undergo probation and perform 120 hours of community service. Accordingly, Seol, who had been in custody, was released on probation.

The court stated, "The historical value of Gyeongbokgung Palace is immeasurable," and pointed out, "Seol committed a kind of copycat crime and then claimed it should be considered 'performance art,' showing the very poor nature of this offense." However, the court explained the sentencing reasons by saying, "Seol was diagnosed with psychotic depression and bipolar disorder, and emotionally unstable due to experiencing parental divorce during childhood," and "he voluntarily appeared at the police station and confessed to the crime."

Seol is accused of writing the name of a specific singer and album title in red spray paint on the left wall of Yeongchumun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace on December 16 last year, one day after the 'Gyeongbokgung graffiti terror' incident occurred. Previously, the prosecution had demanded a three-year prison sentence for Seol.