"Climbed Exterior Wall for 8 Years to Steal 2 Million Won"…'Seoul National University Jangbaljang' Released with Prosecutor's Leniency

Breaking into Laboratory and Office via Exterior Wall
Prosecution Deferred Considering Circumstances

A homeless man in his 60s who was arrested for climbing the exterior walls of Seoul National University buildings to enter research labs and stealing about 2 million won over eight years has been released due to the prosecution's leniency.

The Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Seung-ho) announced on the 8th that it canceled the detention of Kim (67), who was arrested and sent to prosecution on charges of stealing or attempting to steal cash and gift certificates worth a total of 2,194,000 won in nine incidents around Seoul National University from April 2016 to last month (nighttime trespassing and theft of buildings), and granted a non-prosecution disposition on the condition that he complete employment training.

Non-prosecution means that although the criminal charges are acknowledged, considering the motive and consequences of the crime, the suspect will not be brought to trial. If circumstances change in the future, the suspended prosecution can be reinstated.

Excerpt from the letter Kim submitted to the prosecutor's office. Provided by Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office

According to the prosecution, Kim, who previously operated a bicycle agency, became despondent and lived as a homeless person on Gwanaksan Mountain after failing in business and suffering serious injuries in a traffic accident that left him unable to perform even day labor.

He was declared legally missing and presumed dead for about 12 years, during which he was unable to receive welfare benefits such as basic living security.

Kim was found to have entered research labs or offices by climbing exterior pipes and through windows, but it was determined that he did not steal any high-value items.

The prosecution stated, "Kim committed the crimes out of hunger, and considering that 10 victims, including Seoul National University professors and staff who learned of his story, all expressed that they did not want punishment, we decided on a non-prosecution disposition."

The prosecution also petitioned to cancel the missing person declaration so that Kim could reintegrate into society, and the court approved the request.