Man in His 20s Who Climbed Court Wall During Western District Court Riot Receives Suspended Sentence in First Trial

A man in his twenties who broke into the court during the Western District Court riot has been sentenced to a suspended prison term in the first trial.

On November 12, Judge Kim Minjeong of the Criminal Division 9 of the Seoul Western District Court sentenced Mr. Kim (26), who was indicted on charges of breaking and entering, to 10 months in prison with a two-year suspension, and ordered 160 hours of community service.

Mr. Kim was accused of climbing over the wall and entering the court premises during a rally opposing the arrest of former President Yoon Suk-yeol on January 18.

The court stated, "This offense involved breaking into a court that is under strict control due to warrant hearings and other proceedings. Entering the court because the process or outcome of a trial does not align with one's wishes cannot be tolerated."

However, the court explained the sentencing by noting, "We considered the fact that the defendant admitted to and reflected on his actions, was apprehended at the scene immediately after entering the premises alone, and that no substantial damage occurred to court operations."