Busan District Court Sentences Man in His 50s to Life Imprisonment for YouTuber Murder in Front of Courthouse
Claim of No Intent Rejected
Defendant Clapped Saying "Thank You" at First Trial Verdict, Then Insulted Bereaved Family
A YouTuber in his 50s who killed another YouTuber, with whom he had a poor relationship, in broad daylight in front of a courthouse with a weapon was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial.
The Criminal Division 5 of the Busan District Court (Chief Judge Jang Gi-seok) sentenced Hong Mo (56), who was arrested and indicted on charges including retaliatory murder, to life imprisonment on the 20th and ordered him to wear a location tracking and electronic device for 10 years.
The court stated the sentencing reasons, saying, "There is little sign of remorse or guilt toward the victim, and the defendant denied the intent and premeditation of the murder, attempting to downplay the crime. Considering the defendant’s history of violent crimes and the risk of committing murder again, it is necessary to permanently isolate him from society." It added, "It is recognized that the defendant meticulously planned the crime in advance by tracking the victim’s movements, purchasing the weapon, and renting a car. It appears the murder was committed for retaliatory purposes," judging all charges as guilty.
The defendant Hong claimed "there was no intent to kill," but the court rejected this, stating, "Considering that the defendant stabbed the victim twice with a weapon, and then swung the knife for 8 seconds inflicting 12 deep wounds on the victim who had fallen to the ground and was completely subdued, it is clear that he was fully aware and anticipated the possibility and risk of death but still committed the crime." The court further ruled, "Although the motive was that the victim insulted the defendant and the defendant’s girlfriend, such retaliatory crimes not only infringe on individual legal interests but also obstruct the discovery of substantive truth by investigative and judicial authorities and the exercise of state criminal jurisdiction, making the crime particularly serious."
After the sentence was announced, Hong clapped his hands saying "Thank you" and left the courtroom while cursing at the bereaved family who shouted, "Bring my brother back."
On May 9 at around 9:52 a.m., Hong killed another YouTuber who was live streaming in front of the Busan Court Complex in Yeonje-gu, Busan, with a weapon and fled but was caught. Hong and the victim had been creating similar content and had been in conflict since last year, exchanging about 200 lawsuits and complaints against each other. On the day of the incident, Hong committed the crime intending to prevent the victim from testifying at a trial where the victim had accused him of assault.
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