In the Second Trial, Sentence Increased by 3 Years from the First Trial's 20-Year Imprisonment
"Similar Previous Convictions and Random Murders with Brutal Methods"
A man in his 20s who assaulted an elderly man in his 80s, leading to his death, was sentenced to a heavy prison term again in the second trial.
On the 28th, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Seol Beom-sik) sentenced A (27), who was detained and indicted on charges including murder, to 23 years in prison?an increase from the 20 years handed down in the first trial?and 20 years of electronic monitoring.
Earlier, A was accused of assaulting B (in his 80s), another attendee, about 80 times over 5 minutes while drinking at a bar in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, with people he met through an app in June last year, which ultimately led to B’s death. When A, who was about to buy a lottery ticket at a nearby mart, was told by B to "go buy cigarettes," he started the assault. Despite B struggling to breathe properly and showing signs of distress, A did not stop the attack. Eventually, B fell into an unconscious state and passed away last May.
Investigations revealed that A had studied the martial art 'Gukjin Hapkido' for six years and had even won awards in related competitions. Additionally, since 2017, he had six prior convictions for similar offenses.
The court explained the sentencing rationale, stating, "The victim was transported to the hospital unconscious immediately after the crime and received conservative treatment in a state with no possibility of recovery, ultimately resulting in death. Considering the defendant’s history of multiple violent offenses and that this crime was committed during the recidivism period, it is difficult to impose a lighter sentence." The court further emphasized, "The defendant’s murder is essentially a random killing without any particular reason, and the method and manner of the crime were also brutal."
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