"Pretending to Be Pitiful Gets Them Off" 'Teen Extortionists' Feign Remorse... But It's Actually 'False Repentance'

Court Warns Severe Punishment for Teenagers Causing Disturbance in Detention Without Remorse
Defendants Submitted Over 100 Letters of Reflection Before Trial
Final Verdict Scheduled for January 10 Next Year at 10 AM

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[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] It was revealed that teenage extortionists who pleaded for leniency in court without remorse caused a disturbance after the trial ended.

On the afternoon of the 16th, the 2nd Criminal Division of Jeju District Court (Chief Judge Jang Chan-su) held a sentencing hearing for seven teenage males and females who were detained and prosecuted on charges including robbery causing injury and violation of the Act on the Punishment of Violent Acts (joint extortion).

The prosecution requested indeterminate prison sentences, including 7 years of long-term imprisonment and 4 years of short-term imprisonment, stating, "Although the defendants are young, their methods of crime are brutal."

The defendants are accused of luring men to a motel in Jeju City twice, on June 9 and 19, under the pretense of prostitution, then attempting to extort money by threatening them with weapons while recording videos on their mobile phones. While some of them delayed by conversing or engaging in sexual acts with the clients, the others suddenly raided the scene and threatened to report the prostitution.

In addition, some defendants are also charged with detaining and assaulting victims they knew, stealing money and valuables, and driving passenger cars without a license.

Prior to the hearing, the defendants had submitted letters of remorse to the court over 100 times, showing signs of repentance. They also shed tears and pleaded for leniency at the hearing held on the 18th of last month.

However, it was revealed that one defendant vented by loudly cursing at correctional officers inside the transport vehicle returning to the detention center immediately after the hearing. Other defendants were also caught causing disturbances in the police station detention center or laughing and saying, "They fell for it because we acted pitifully in front of the judge," right after the pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant review).

Upon learning this, the court said at the hearing, "After reviewing the related records, it does not seem that the defendants are truly remorseful," and scolded, "This is really ridiculous. We have been looking at them with the heart of raising children, but it was completely different. If this is the case, why bother submitting letters of remorse?"

It continued, "There are far more good things in our society, so why did you learn the bad things first? We will impose the corresponding punishment," warning of strict sentencing.

The verdict is scheduled to be delivered at 10 a.m. on January 10 next year.

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