Wife Who Stabbed Husband for 'Economic Incompetence' Sentenced to Prison Again on Appeal... Files Further Appeal

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A woman in her 40s who was prosecuted for stabbing her irresponsible husband with a weapon during an argument was sentenced to prison again in the second trial.

According to the court on the 16th, the 13th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Choi Suhwan) sentenced A (47, female), who was charged with attempted murder and special assault, to 1 year and 6 months in prison in the appeal trial, the same as the first trial. The court dismissed the prosecution's request for an electronic monitoring device (electronic anklet) attachment order.

The court stated, "Although the victim testified in court in a manner consistent with the defendant's claims, unlike the statements made to the investigative agency, the statements made to the investigative agency are more credible," and added, "It appears that the victim minimized the damage in order to maintain a harmonious family life with the defendant, who is her spouse, and their children."

Earlier, A was prosecuted for attempting to kill her husband B (47) in the living room of their home in Nowon-gu, Seoul, on June 27 of last year.

At the time, it was investigated that A became enraged and took out a weapon from the kitchen after B did not properly comfort her despite her expressing difficulties running a karaoke business, and even spoke ill of her father-in-law, whom she had not even seen. A stabbed B once in the abdomen while he was lying on the bed, but when their middle school-aged child witnessed this and saw blood coming from B's abdomen, A got scared, gave up, and called 119 (emergency services).

A was also charged with throwing an ashtray and soju bottles during an argument with B, who visited the karaoke bar in December 2020.

The prosecution viewed that A's resentment grew due to B's request for abortion related to a premarital pregnancy over 20 years ago, his avoidance of responsibility as the head of the family including economic problems after business failure. A had been running the karaoke alone and was effectively responsible for raising the children and supporting the family.

During the trial, A's side claimed "there was no intent to kill" and denied the facts of the special assault charge. B and the children also pleaded for leniency for A.

The first trial ruled, "Although the victim's wound depth is relatively shallow, the defendant's minimal intent to kill is sufficiently recognized," and found all charges against A guilty.

It also stated, "Despite previously receiving a suspended prison sentence for special injury against the victim, the defendant committed another crime," and "Considering that the defendant received a protective disposition for six months from the Seoul Family Court for special assault and committed attempted murder within less than two months, it is appropriate to sentence her to prison regardless of the victim's plea for leniency."

Meanwhile, A appealed both the first and second trial rulings.

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