Man in His 50s Who Brandished Weapon Over "Didn't You Walk the Dog?" Remark Receives Suspended Sentence Again on Appeal

"Defendant Shows Remorse"
"Also Paid 30 Million Won to the Victim"

A man in his 50s who brandished a weapon in anger after a friend asked, "Didn't you walk your dog?" has received a suspended prison sentence in both the first and second trials.

According to Yonhap News on December 18, the Criminal Division 1 of the Daegu High Court (Presiding Judge Jeong Seonguk) rejected both the prosecution's and the defendant's appeals in the appellate trial of Mr. A, a man in his 50s charged with attempted murder, upholding the original sentence of three years in prison, suspended for five years.

On February 22, Mr. A's pet dog barked only at him and approached and cuddled with his acquaintance, Mr. B (in his 40s), who was also in the house. Mr. B remarked, "Why is the dog acting like this? Didn't you walk it?" In response, Mr. A suddenly became angry and stabbed Mr. B in the chest with a weapon. Mr. B, who was injured by the weapon wielded by Mr. A, managed to leave the scene on his own and received treatment at a hospital.

The appellate court explained its decision to dismiss the appeals by stating, "Considering various sentencing factors such as the outcome and means of the crime, as well as the circumstances after the incident, the original sentence cannot be considered unduly harsh or lenient."

Previously, the court of first instance stated the reason for sentencing as follows: "The defendant has shown a remorseful attitude, and the victim has expressed a desire not to pursue punishment against the defendant after receiving 30 million won in compensation."