"Why Ignore Me?" 50s Man Brutally Kills Live-in Partner, Sentenced to 18 Years in First Trial

Court: "Meticulous plan including preparing blue tape in advance... Bereaved families also want punishment"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] A man in his 50s who killed his cohabiting partner because he felt ignored was sentenced to a heavy punishment in the first trial.

The Criminal Division 13 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Shin Hyuk-jae) announced on the 18th that Kim Mo (55), who was charged with killing his cohabiting partner with a weapon (murder, etc.), was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Kim was prosecuted for allegedly tying up his cohabiting partner A at her home in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, on August 18 last year, beating her severely until she lost consciousness, and then stabbing her with a weapon, causing her death.

Kim had been dissatisfied with A’s usual disregard towards him, and became very angry after receiving a voice message containing abusive language from A.

Kim went to A’s house, and after she refused to talk and tried to leave, he tied her hands and feet with packing tape, beat her, then took a weapon from the kitchen and stabbed her to death, according to the investigation.

After committing the murder, Kim was also charged with stealing 67,000 won in cash, credit cards, and a mobile phone from A’s bag, and stealing A’s car. The court recognized the charges of theft and violation of the Road Traffic Act (driving without a license) as guilty.

The court stated, "The defendant infringed upon a human life that cannot be replaced by anything, causing an irreversible and serious outcome," and added, "It appears that he had planned to kill the victim in advance, as evidenced by purchasing packing tape beforehand."

It further added, "The blameworthiness of the act is even greater considering that the crime was committed against a woman weaker than himself, and the bereaved family is seeking severe punishment for the defendant."

However, the court said, "It is difficult to recognize the likelihood that the defendant will commit murder again in the future and disturb legal peace," and dismissed the prosecution’s requests for electronic monitoring and probation orders.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.