Choi Seong-woo, Who Killed Neighbor by Beating in Smoking Area, Claims "No Intent to Murder"

Choi Seong-woo (28), who killed a neighbor in his 70s by beating him in the smoking area of an apartment while lost in delusions, claimed at his first trial that he had no intent to murder.

At the first hearing held on the 22nd at the Seoul Northern District Court Criminal Division 13 (Chief Judge Lee Tae-woong), Choi Seong-woo's defense attorney, who was indicted and detained on murder charges, said, "We sincerely apologize to the bereaved family affected by this incident and have a remorseful heart," adding, "There was no intent to kill the victim, so we deny the circumstances of murder but wish to admit to the charge of injury resulting in death."

Choi Seong-woo was investigated for killing the victim, a neighbor, by repeatedly punching the victim's face and head dozens of times and striking his head against a landscaping stone without restraint at around 7:50 p.m. on August 20 in the smoking area of an apartment in Jungnang-gu, Seoul.

It was confirmed that Choi Seong-woo was delusional, believing that the victim was threatening him and his biological mother. The victim lost consciousness and collapsed after the assault and was transported to the hospital but died within an hour.

The prosecution disclosed Choi Seong-woo's personal information on the 12th of last month, stating, "The means of the crime were cruel and severe damage occurred."