"Busan Spinning Kick" Perpetrator Faces New Trial for Retaliatory Threats from Prison... Prosecutors Seek 3-Year Sentence

Accused of Telling Fellow Inmates, "I Will Kill the Victim"
Sentencing Scheduled for February 12 Amid Controversy Over Trial Delays

The perpetrator of the so-called "Busan Spinning Kick Incident," who is currently serving a prison sentence of over 20 years for the indiscriminate assault of a woman on her way home with the intent to sexually assault her, has once again stood trial-this time on charges of retaliatory threats against the victim from inside prison. Prosecutors requested the court to impose a prison sentence, citing the risk of additional crimes against the victim.

Busan spinning kick incident CCTV footage. Yonhap News TV

According to the legal community on January 13, the Criminal Division 1 of the Busan District Court Seobu Branch (Presiding Judge Kim Jugwan) recently held a final hearing on Lee's charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (retaliatory threats, etc.), insult, and coercion.

The prosecution requested that the court sentence Lee to three years in prison.

Lee was indicted on charges of making retaliatory remarks to fellow inmates, including a YouTuber identified as A, in February 2023, after being imprisoned for the Spinning Kick Incident. He allegedly threatened to assault or kill the victim, Kim Jinju (alias), in these remarks.

He also faces charges of sending threatening letters to his ex-girlfriend and coercing a fellow inmate who shared his cell to smuggle in purchased items during visits.

It was also revealed that Lee had repeatedly requested changes to court dates and failed to appear in court, thereby delaying the trial.

In his final statement, Lee said, "I offer my apologies to the victim," and insisted, "I have absolutely no intention or reason to carry out any retaliation or to act on such thoughts."

The court has scheduled the sentencing for February 12.

Meanwhile, Lee was confirmed as the perpetrator of the so-called "Busan Spinning Kick Incident," in which he chased and assaulted Kim in a residential area of Busanjin District, Busan, on May 22, 2022, with the intent to sexually assault her. In September 2023, the Supreme Court finalized his 20-year prison sentence, and he is currently serving his term.