Prosecution Seeks 9-Year Prison Sentence in Appeal Trial for Resident Who Assaulted Apartment Security Guard Leading to Extreme Choice

Resident accused of assaulting the late apartment security guard Hee-seok Choi in Gangbuk-gu
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] The prosecution has requested a heavy sentence again in the appellate trial against a resident who assaulted the late apartment security guard Choi Hee-seok, who suffered extreme psychological distress and took his own life last year.

On the 31st, at the appellate sentencing hearing of resident Shim Mo (50) held by the Criminal Division 6-3 of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judges Jo Eun-rae, Kim Yong-ha, Jeong Chong-ryeong), the prosecution stated, "Please sentence him to 9 years in prison as in the original sentence."

Shim was detained and prosecuted on charges including assault against Choi and was sentenced to 5 years in prison in the first trial, after which he appealed.

In his final statement on the day, Shim said, "It has been about a year since I have deeply reflected and repented while receiving public criticism."

Shim also expressed his grievance, saying, "What if the content of that day is false and not true? Unverified information was spread through the media without filtering, making it impossible to respond. I hope you do not try to cover up the truth of the incident and my appeal."

Shim's side announced that they are attempting to reach a settlement with Choi's bereaved family.

Shim is accused of repeatedly assaulting and threatening Choi, who was a security guard at an apartment in Gangbuk, Seoul, where Shim resided, during April to May of last year.

He is accused of assaulting Choi because Choi allegedly pushed Shim's parked car with his hand. He is also accused of confining Choi in the security guard's restroom, beating and threatening him, and urging him to resign.

Choi left a will stating that he suffered extreme psychological distress and was assaulted and threatened by Shim, and he died by suicide in May of last year.

Shim's appellate sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 12.

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