'Incheon Noraejujeom Murder Case' Heo Min-woo Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison...Prosecution Calls Victim's Fingerprint Tampering Brutal

After killing a customer and mutilating the body, karaoke bar owner Heo Min-woo is being transferred from the Incheon Michuhol Police Station detention center to the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office. May 21, 2021.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The prosecution has requested a heavy sentence of 30 years in prison for Heo Min-woo (34), the owner of a karaoke bar in Incheon, who was indicted on charges of brutally mutilating and abandoning the body after killing a customer following a dispute over the price of alcohol.

At the sentencing hearing held on the 11th at the Incheon District Court Criminal Division 13 (Presiding Judge Ho Seong-ho), the prosecution demanded 30 years in prison and a fine of 3 million won for Heo, who was indicted on charges of murder, corpse mutilation, and abandonment.

The prosecution also requested the court to order Heo to wear an electronic monitoring device (electronic anklet) for 15 years.

The prosecution explained, "The defendant mercilessly assaulted and killed the victim, then brutally mutilated the body and abandoned it in a mountain forest. To prevent identification even if the body was found, he damaged the victim’s fingerprints on the fingers and even struck the skull with a stone."

They added, "He was sentenced to three years of probation for involvement in a violent organization and committed the crime during that period," and stated the reason for the request, "He has a very violent disposition and a high likelihood of reoffending, so a severe punishment is necessary."

In his final statement, Heo said, "I am aware that I committed unforgivable acts and I am reflecting on them," and apologized, saying, "I am truly sorry."

Heo’s defense attorney acknowledged the charges of murder and others but argued, "It is difficult to accept the prosecution’s claim that there is a high risk of reoffending," and requested the dismissal of the electronic monitoring order.

The victim’s younger brother appeared in court that day and tearfully pleaded for a harsh punishment for Heo.

The victim’s younger brother said, "My brother’s body was horrifically mutilated and left in the mountains like trash for several days. It is so tragic," and added, "I cannot forgive the defendant."

The first trial sentencing for Heo is scheduled for the 7th of next month.

Heo was arrested and indicted on charges of killing a man in his 40s, Mr. A, at his karaoke bar in Sinpo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, around 2:20 a.m. on April 22, and then mutilating and abandoning the body.

The crime occurred after a dispute over an additional 100,000 won for alcohol, during which Heo was slapped twice by Mr. A, which enraged him and led to the crime. He killed Mr. A, mutilated the body two days later in the karaoke bar’s restroom, and abandoned it in the bushes on the mid-slope of Cheolmasan Mountain in Bupyeong-gu around April 29-30.

After arresting Heo, the police held a personal information disclosure review committee and released his name, age, and photo.

Heo, who has multiple prior convictions for assault and injury, is known to have been a member of the Incheon-based violent organization 'Kkolmangpa' in the past.

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