A Man in His 50s Fined for Assaulting a Woman Smoking on the Street "Where Are You Smoking?"

Despite Claims of "Disciplinary Intent," Court Recognizes Assault

A man in his 50s was fined for striking the back of a woman smoking on the street.

On the 25th, the Daejeon District Court Criminal Division 11 (Judge Jang Min-ju) announced that Mr. A (50), who was charged with assault, was sentenced to a fine of 700,000 won.

On April 29 at 12:03 a.m., Mr. A found Ms. B (22) smoking in front of an unmanned store in Birae-dong, Daedeok-gu, Daejeon. He was angered by Ms. B smoking in front of the place where his children were and was prosecuted for slapping Ms. B's back once with his palm, saying, "Why does a girl smoke?"

Mr. A claimed, "My action was intended to reprimand the street smoking behavior, not to assault," but the court did not accept this.

The court stated, "Considering the CCTV footage at the scene and witness testimonies, the assault is recognized," and added, "Taking into account that the degree of Mr. A's assault was relatively minor and that he has no prior criminal record except for a fine for obstructing official duties."