Supreme Court Confirms 12-Year Sentence for Man in His 50s Who Killed Acquaintance After Verbal Dispute at Drinking Gathering

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] A man in his 50s who killed an acquaintance after an argument at a drinking party and being insulted at his home the next day has been sentenced to a heavy prison term.

The Supreme Court's 2nd Division (Presiding Justice Kim Sang-hwan) announced on the 30th that it upheld the original sentence of 12 years imprisonment in the appeal trial of A (52), who was charged with murder.

The court stated, "Considering various circumstances of the defendant, it cannot be said that the first trial's decision to sentence 12 years imprisonment, which the lower court maintained, is seriously unjust."

Last April, in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, A had a severe argument while drinking with a junior in the neighborhood, B (49). During the incident, A was pushed by B and fell, requiring treatment at the emergency room.

The next early morning, when B came to A's house and insulted him, A became enraged and stabbed B with a weapon, causing his death. He was prosecuted on these charges.

The first trial sentenced A to 12 years imprisonment. The court pointed out, "Human life is a value more precious than anything else, and any act that infringes upon it cannot be tolerated for any reason."

The second trial also upheld the 12-year sentence, stating, "The first trial's judgment considered various sentencing factors and set the sentence within the recommended range according to the sentencing guidelines established by the Sentencing Commission. It is difficult to see the sentence as exceeding the reasonable scope of discretion."

A appealed, claiming "the sentence is too harsh," but the Supreme Court did not accept this.

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