Court Sentences Lee Jae-myung Attacker to 15 Years in Prison... "A Challenge to Democracy" (Comprehensive)

Acquaintance Charged with Aiding Attempted Murder Sentenced to 1 Year 6 Months in Prison, 3 Years Probation

Kim Mo (67), the assailant accused of stabbing former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung with a weapon in an attempted murder, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

On the 5th, the Criminal Division 6 of the Busan District Court (Chief Judge Kim Yong-gyun) sentenced Kim to 15 years in prison and ordered five years of probation in the first trial for charges of attempted murder and violation of the Public Official Election Act. A acquaintance of Kim, A, who was charged with aiding attempted murder, was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year probation.

Kim Mo, the assailant of former representative Lee Jae-myung who was sent to the prosecution last January. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The court stated, "This crime is not merely an attempt to deprive the victim of their right to life as an individual, but publicly, it obstructed the freedom of elections by carrying out an extreme attack on a candidate ahead of the National Assembly election, severely undermining the social consensus and trust in the liberal democratic basic order."

It continued, "The defendant committed the crime in public, in front of many citizens, simply because of political differences, which is a serious challenge and attempt to destroy the electoral system and representative democracy that should be decided by the free will of the people according to the Constitution and legal procedures. Such illegal and unjust actions against those with different opinions cannot be justified for any reason and must be severely punished."

The court also pointed out, "From the time the defendant decided to commit the crime, he asked an accomplice to write a memo explaining the justification for the crime, manufactured the weapon over several months, and practiced the attack intermittently. Considering the planning and motive, the blameworthiness is very high."

It added, "Although the defendant expressed apologies to the victim and their family belatedly in court, his attitude during investigations and in court raises doubts about whether it can be regarded as genuine remorse."

Kim was brought to trial for approaching former leader Lee at the Gadeokdo Observatory in Gangseo-gu, Busan, on January 2, pretending to be a supporter, and stabbing Lee’s neck with a weapon.

Lee sustained a 9mm injury to the internal jugular vein from Kim’s attack, underwent surgery and hospitalization, and was discharged after eight days.

During the trial, the prosecution revealed a note Kim wrote in detention the day after the crime, which included the content: "Is the charge attempted murder and not murder? I clearly executed Lee, so how is he still alive? It is frustrating."

When asked by the prosecutor, "Do you mean you felt frustrated realizing you failed to kill Lee?" Kim answered, "Yes." He also stated that his motive was "to prevent Lee from exercising his nomination rights."

Before preparing for the crime last year, Kim divorced his wife to minimize harm to his family, and it is known that he sharpened and modified the weapon he purchased online over 3 to 4 months.

Earlier, the prosecution demanded a 20-year prison sentence for Kim at the sentencing hearing in May.

At that time, the prosecution said, "This is a serious election crime aimed at blocking the nomination rights and candidacy of the victim, who was the leader of the main opposition party ahead of the National Assembly election, constituting a political terror act that seriously threatens democracy and the rule of law. Considering the thoroughly planned crime after long preparation, the use of a weapon causing fatal injury to the victim, the severity of the crime, lack of sincere remorse, and sentences in similar cases, we requested this sentence."

Meanwhile, the court judged that A, charged with aiding Kim, "did not play a key role directly related to the crime and had a low degree of contribution." Previously, the prosecution had demanded a 3-year prison sentence for A.