"Why Am I in the Back?"... Local Institution Head Who Kicked Civil Servant in the Shin Receives Reduced Fine on Appeal

Chuncheon District Court Imposes 10 Million Won Fine
Prison Sentence Reduced to Fine... Position Retained

A head of a local institution in the Gangwon region, who assaulted a public official out of dissatisfaction with the protocol arrangements at an event, received a reduced sentence on appeal and will be able to retain his position.

The Criminal Division 2 of the Chuncheon District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Seongrae) overturned the original verdict of six months in prison with a two-year suspension and instead sentenced the 72-year-old head of the institution, identified as A, to a fine of 10 million won for obstruction of official duties and causing injury.

A was brought to trial on charges of grabbing civil servant B by the collar and kicking him in the shin once, causing injuries requiring two weeks of treatment, during the Yanggu-gun Gender Equality Conference in Gangwon on October 23, 2023. A was reportedly upset after seeing his seat assigned toward the back and protested to B, who was guiding guests. When B responded, "I'm not in charge of seating arrangements, but I will inform the relevant team," A became enraged, verbally abused B, and assaulted him.

Chuncheon District Court building. Photo by Asia Economy

As the controversy grew, A posted an apology on the county office website four days after the incident. In the apology, he stated, "I was dissatisfied with the assignment of seats for guests and failed to control my emotions," and added, "I deeply apologize to the official involved, their family, all county office employees, and the residents who were hurt by my actions." He also explained, "This incident was not intentional but a simple accident, and I had no intention of belittling or disrespecting public officials. It was my fault for failing to control my emotions in the moment." However, the Yanggu-gun branch of the Korean Government Employees' Union filed a complaint against A for obstruction of official duties and causing injury.

In court, A denied the charges, arguing that the victim's injury was minor and would have healed naturally without the need for treatment, and that the victim was not performing any specific guest-related duties at the time of the assault. However, the first trial found A guilty on all counts. The first-instance court stated, "Considering the circumstances and details of the crime, including the fact that the defendant assaulted and injured a public official performing legitimate duties, the defendant's responsibility is by no means light," and sentenced A to a suspended prison term, which would have resulted in the loss of his position as union head. A appealed, claiming the sentence was too severe.

The appellate court pointed out, "Given the circumstances and method of the assault, the defendant's culpability is not minor, and he has yet to be forgiven by the victim." However, the court explained the reasons for the reduced sentence: "Nevertheless, considering that the defendant has admitted his wrongdoing and shown remorse, that the degree of injury does not appear to be severe, and that the victim received the amount deposited by the defendant during the investigation at this court, which suggests that a significant portion of the harm has been remedied, the original sentence is somewhat heavy."