'30-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Killing Girlfriend in Mapo Officetel'... Audience Reacts, "Is This All the Law Can Do?"

A appeared at the warrant hearing on September 15 last year.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] A man in his 30s accused of assaulting his girlfriend to death was sentenced to 7 years in prison.

The Criminal Division 12 of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Andongbeom) sentenced Mr. A to 7 years in prison on the afternoon of the 6th at the sentencing trial for charges of injury resulting in death.

Mr. A was prosecuted for assaulting his girlfriend, the victim Ms. A, during an argument at an officetel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on July 25 last year, which led to her death.

The court explained the sentencing reasoning, stating it was difficult to recognize intent to kill. The court said, "This case is different in nature from typical dating homicide cases where the perpetrator kills in retaliation after the woman says she wants to break up or does not want to continue the relationship."

The court found that prior to the crime, Mr. A was not in a relationship involving assault with the victim, and that this crime occurred impulsively.

The court stated, "Considering the serious outcome of the victim's death, the defendant's sincere apology to the bereaved families, and the fact that forgiveness was not granted, the final sentence was determined."

Immediately after the sentencing, some in the gallery expressed dissatisfaction toward the court, saying things like, "A person died, and is this all the law in this country can do?"

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