Busan Dolryeochagi Man: "20 Years in Prison at 32 Is Too Much"

"Judges Unable to Conduct Proper Trials Due to Public Opinion"
Claiming Unfortunate Past and Mental Weakness

The defendant in the so-called 'Busan spinning kick' case, who indiscriminately assaulted a woman in her 20s causing her to lose consciousness, appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the 20-year prison sentence he received in the appellate court was excessive for a 32-year-old.

According to the legal community on the 11th, Mr. A, the man involved in the Busan spinning kick case, stated in his appeal brief submitted to the Supreme Court on the 24th of last month, "The appellate court failed to correct the misinformation spread by the media and public opinion, and due to being overly conscious of public sentiment, I did not receive a fair trial."

Photo by SBS broadcast screen capture

He reiterated, "It was not a random act of violence, nor was I searching for a woman with the intent to commit rape."

"At the time of the incident, I was taking medication for a mental illness and was heavily intoxicated. I heard voices and hallucinations that seemed like someone was looking at me and cursing. I committed the crime in a moment of rage triggered by these hallucinations, and there was no intent to kill." He emphasized his diminished mental capacity, stating, "My mind was not sound."

"While it is true that I assaulted her, I did not possess any weapons. Considering that the crime took place in a location with CCTV and bright lighting that is always open to the public, I find it difficult to understand the court's judgment that there was a possible intent to kill," he said, rejecting the verdict.

Previously, in his appellate court letter of remorse, he argued, "It is not reasonable to clinically judge the victim as disabled based on a single medical opinion," denying the extent of the victim's injuries. This time as well, he claimed that the victim was giving false testimony.

"The victim claims to have fainted at the scene, but judging by actions such as covering her head with her hands, she did not faint," he said.

He also cited his unfortunate family background. "Due to my mother leaving home during my childhood, I did not receive proper discipline and had a difficult upbringing," he said. "At 32 years old, a 20-year prison sentence is too harsh. This sentence, which is almost equivalent to life imprisonment, is something I am very afraid of and terrified to accept," he pleaded.

In response, the victim's side stated through social media, "Being a victim is so hard, and I wonder how much more this has to go on before it ends. Seeing the appeal letter while at work brought tears to my eyes; it is pitiful."

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