40s Sent to Trial for Forcing Intoxicated Basic Livelihood Recipient to Swim, Resulting in Death

Charges Including Negligent Homicide Through Psychological Domination

Changwon District Prosecutors' Office, Gyeongnam.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

A man in his 40s has been indicted on charges of causing the death of a basic livelihood security recipient by forcing him to swim after drinking alcohol.

The Criminal Division 2 of the Tongyeong Branch of Changwon District Prosecutors' Office in Gyeongnam (Chief Prosecutor Choi Seong-su) announced on the 16th that Mr. A was arrested and prosecuted on charges of negligent homicide, coercion, and extortion.

According to the prosecution and Changwon Coast Guard, on October 11 last year at around 2:10 p.m., Mr. A forced two people, including Mr. B, a man in his 50s who was drinking with him, to swim near the seaside at Okpo Port Waterfront Park in Geoje City, Gyeongnam.

At the time, Mr. B was intoxicated but jumped into the sea at Mr. A’s command and tragically lost his life.

It was revealed that Mr. A had deceived Mr. B and others, whom he met years ago at a gosiwon (a small, inexpensive lodging), by claiming to be from a violent organization, intimidating them, and repeatedly assaulting and threatening them.

He extorted about 17 million won, including money Mr. B earned from day labor and basic livelihood security benefits, and forced them to fight each other without letting them sleep.

The police and prosecution judged that Mr. A psychologically dominated (gaslighted) Mr. B and others through assault and cruel acts.

It is believed that Mr. B, under psychological domination, was unable to refuse Mr. A’s orders on the day of the incident and jumped into the sea.

Psychological domination (gaslighting) refers to a criminal act that cunningly manipulates another person's psychology or situation to impair their judgment and strengthen the perpetrator’s control and dominance.

The police and prosecution confirmed the criminal facts by analyzing integrated psychological assessments and bank transaction records of people around Mr. B.

A prosecution official said, “We will take measures to ensure that support is provided to the victim and the bereaved family, and we will do our best to ensure that Mr. A receives a sentence commensurate with his crimes.”

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