Appeal Filed Claiming "Sentence Is Too Lenient" After 22-Year Prison Term in First Trial
Murder with a Weapon in Front of Numerous Citizens... Verdict Next Month
The prosecution has sought a life sentence in the appellate trial for the defendant in a murder case that occurred following a dispute over illegal room salon business interests.
On May 8, the Criminal Division 1 of the Gwangju High Court (Presiding Judge Kim Jinwhan) held a sentencing hearing for Kim (57) and heard the prosecution's sentencing recommendation. The prosecution stated, "This is a serious crime in which a weapon was wielded in front of numerous citizens," and added, "Please also consider that the crime was committed against a victim who was attempting to report the defendant's illegal activities." The prosecution requested the court to sentence Kim to life imprisonment.
Kim was indicted on charges of stabbing and killing a victim in his 40s with a weapon at around 7:30 p.m. on June 7 of last year in the entertainment district of Cheomdan area, Gwangsan District, Gwangju. He was also found to have attacked another victim with a weapon, causing serious injuries.
Kim, who had presented himself as a "problem solver" in the room salon industry, had conflicts over business interests with the victim's side. On the day of the incident, he committed the crime against the victims who were preparing a rally calling for the eradication of illegal room salons and prostitution. The prosecution believes that Kim committed the crime as an act of retaliation against the victims, who had mocked him.
Previously, the court of first instance sentenced Kim to 22 years in prison, stating, "It is recognized that there was an intent to kill the victim in a premeditated manner." The prosecution appealed, arguing that the sentence was too lenient.
The appellate court's verdict for Kim is scheduled to be delivered at the Gwangju High Court on June 12.
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