Perpetrator of 'Geoje Dating Violence' Who Murdered Ex-Girlfriend Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison

Sentence for Decision Hearing Lower Than Prosecutor's 20-Year Demand
Court: "Serious Public Outrage Over Dating Violence... Considering First Offense"

A man in his 20s, identified as A, who was the perpetrator in a fatal dating violence case that occurred last April in Geoje, Gyeongnam, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in the first trial. This sentence is lighter than the prosecution's requested term.

According to Yonhap News on the 14th, the Criminal Division 1 of the Tongyeong Branch of Changwon District Court (Chief Judge Kim Young-seok) sentenced A, who was detained and indicted on charges including injury resulting in death, to 12 years in prison. The court also ordered him to complete a 40-hour stalking treatment program.

The court stated, "This case is a dating violence crime that has caused great public outrage," and added, "At this time when voices condemning such crimes are growing louder, it is urgent to give a strong punishment to raise social awareness."

The defendant, a man in his 20s identified as Mr. A, is accused of assaulting the victim, resulting in death. Yonhap News

Regarding the perpetrator’s method of crime, the court noted, "The defendant, a robust adult male, inflicted injuries by pressing on the victim’s neck or hitting her with his fist while she was sleeping or just waking up, ultimately causing her death." It continued, "The victim was only 19 years old and ended her life without experiencing the future that awaited her. The victim’s family is enduring indescribable sorrow and pain, and they strongly desire severe punishment for the defendant."

A was indicted on charges including assault leading to death after allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend B at a one-room apartment in Geoje City around 8 a.m. on April 1. The victim B was diagnosed with traumatic subdural hemorrhage and other injuries requiring six weeks of treatment and was treated at a hospital in Geoje, but died on the 10th of the same month due to multiple organ failure caused by sepsis.

Earlier, the prosecution requested a 20-year prison sentence for A at the sentencing hearing held last month. At that time, A stated, "It is clearly my fault," and added, "Whatever the outcome, I will accept the punishment willingly and live with a heart full of lifelong remorse and apology."

The victim's parents are sobbing as they demand the detention of Mr. A before the court ahead of the pre-arrest hearing (warrant review) scheduled for Mr. A at the Changwon District Court Tongyeong Branch on May 20. Photo by Yonhap News

The court explained the reason for sentencing A to a prison term lower than the prosecution’s request, saying, "The defendant was not charged with murder with intent to kill, and it does not appear that he committed the crime with a plan to retaliate against the victim who wanted to end the relationship." It further explained, "This crime seems to have occurred somewhat impulsively in a state of extreme agitation during an emotional conflict with the victim."

Moreover, the court stated, "Considering comprehensively that A is a first-time offender with no prior criminal record and that he showed remorse and regret for his actions in court, the sentence was determined."