Court Sentences Man in His 40s to Prison for Attacking Rival Gang Member with Weapon

Sentenced to One Year and Six Months in Prison

Gwangju District Court. Photo by Song Bohyun

The Gwangju District Court Criminal Division 12, presided over by Chief Judge Jung Youngha, sentenced Kim (42), who was indicted and detained on charges of attempted murder for wielding a weapon at a member of a rival gang out of resentment for being disrespected, to one year and six months in prison on the 17th.

Kim, a member of an organized crime group, was brought to trial on charges of attempting to murder A, a member of another gang, by attacking him with a weapon at a bar in Buk-gu, Gwangju, on the morning of October 25 last year.

Kim and A belong to different factions of organized crime. It was revealed that Kim harbored resentment because A, who is one year younger than him, did not show proper respect or treat him as a senior.

During the previous sentencing hearing, Kim's side argued, "Although the crime was committed in a moment of anger, he covered the victim's wound with a blanket and called for emergency medical services, thus taking rescue measures."

The court stated, "The defendant planned the crime, including preparing in advance a weapon sufficient to kill or inflict fatal injuries," but explained the sentencing by adding, "However, we also considered that the victim does not wish for punishment."