Former Chief Prosecutor Sentenced for Assault on Late Kim Hong-Young... Court Says "Insufficient Apology to Bereaved Family" (Comprehensive)

Kim Dae-hyun, former chief prosecutor [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Former Seoul Southern District Prosecutor Kim Daehyun, who drove a subordinate prosecutor to an extreme choice through verbal abuse and assault, was sentenced to prison in the first trial.

Judge Kim Junhyuk of the Criminal Division 5 at Seoul Central District Court sentenced former Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim to one year in prison on the charge of assault on the 6th. However, the court did not detain him in court, stating there was no risk of flight or evidence destruction.

The court pointed out, "The defendant's assault is presumed to have been a significant cause leading to the victim's extreme choice," and added, "Considering the circumstances of the incident, the degree of assault, and witness statements, it is doubtful whether it was for the purpose of guidance." The court further stated, "The defendant appears to lack sincere apology to the victim's family, and the victim's family is also petitioning for severe punishment," but noted, "He has no prior criminal record other than one fine, and other sentencing conditions were considered."

Earlier, former Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim was indicted on charges of assaulting Prosecutor Kim Hongyoung from March to May 2016. Prosecutor Kim was found dead at his home in May of that year after leaving a note expressing the burden and pressure from work. During the investigation, it was also confirmed that former Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim insulted Prosecutor Kim several times from February to May of that year, but since insult under criminal law requires the victim to file a complaint, the case was dismissed due to 'lack of prosecution rights.'

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