'Subway Passenger Slipper Assault' 50s Defendant Says "I Have Bipolar Disorder" in First Trial

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] A man in his 50s, who was indicted on charges of assaulting passengers who requested mask-wearing on the subway, emphasized his mental illness during the first trial.

At the first hearing held on the 22nd under the presiding of Judge Lee Sang-hoon of the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 11, the defense attorney for Mr. A stated, "We agree with all the charges and evidence," but also requested "to review personal information for the purpose of reaching a settlement with the victims." He added, "Mr. A has been suffering from bipolar affective disorder, commonly known as 'jo-ul-jeung' (bipolar disorder), for over 20 years," and "We will submit medical certificates later."

Mr. A was arrested and indicted on the 9th for assaulting two passengers who requested him to wear a mask on a train passing near Dangsan Station on Seoul Subway Line 2. At the time, he strangled the victims and struck their faces with the slippers he was wearing, causing a disturbance before being arrested on the spot by the police who arrived at the scene.

The court issued a detention warrant for Mr. A last month, at the police's request, citing concerns about flight risk and the danger of reoffending.

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