Man in His 60s Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Stabbing Acquaintances After Argument

Snapped During an Argument Over Forms of Address at the Playground

The court is flying flags and the Taegeukgi. Photo by Yonhap News

A man in his 60s has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for attempting to murder acquaintances with a weapon following an argument.

On October 24, the Incheon District Court Criminal Division 15 (Presiding Judge Kim Jeongheon) announced that it had sentenced Mr. A (age 67), who was indicted on charges of attempted murder, to 10 years in prison and ordered five years of probation after his release.

However, the court dismissed the prosecution's request for an electronic location tracking device (electronic anklet), stating, "It appears that the risk of reoffending can be prevented through imprisonment and probation."

Mr. A was brought to trial on charges of attempting to murder three people, including Mr. B (age 67) and his wife, as well as Mr. C (age 71), by stabbing them multiple times with a weapon at a playground in an apartment complex in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, around 9 p.m. on May 21. According to the investigation, while conversing with them, Mr. A got into an argument with Mr. B over how they addressed each other, left to retrieve a weapon from his home, and then committed the crime.

Mr. A reportedly harbored resentment against Mr. B and his wife because they frequently made mocking remarks about him in front of others, and on the day of the incident, he also had a dispute with Mr. C over gambling issues.

He has a prior conviction for assault and, during the investigation, stated, "I planned to kill the victims," adding, "I especially regret not being able to kill Mr. B."

As a result of the crime, the victims suffered serious injuries, including skull fractures, and endured severe physical and psychological pain.

The court explained its sentencing, stating, "Murder is an act that takes a life and, in itself, violates an absolute value. Even though it remained at the level of an attempt, the culpability is grave. Considering the circumstances and brutality of the crime, the nature of the offense is extremely egregious, and a severe punishment commensurate with the defendant's responsibility is unavoidable."