'Shillim Hiking Trail Murder' Choi Yoon-jong Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in Second Trial

Choi Yoon-jong (31), who was charged with indiscriminately assaulting and killing a woman with the intent to sexually assault her on a hiking trail in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, was sentenced to life imprisonment again in the appellate court.

Choi Yoon-jong, who was indicted for the hiking trail murder case in Sillim-dong.

On the 12th, the 14-3 Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Lim Jong-hyo) sentenced Choi Yoon-jong, who was charged with violating the Sexual Violence Punishment Act (rape and murder), to life imprisonment, the same as the first trial.

The court stated, “The defendant planned and executed a heinous crime to satisfy his wrongful desires, and although there were several opportunities during the crime to stop and not harm the victim’s life, he proceeded to murder, making his blameworthiness and guilt extremely serious.”

It added, “Although the defendant’s letter of apology appears to show remorse, it mainly expresses complaints about health issues and discomfort due to detention, seeking leniency. It is doubtful whether the defendant truly reflects on and regrets his crime or even feels the slightest guilt toward the bereaved family and the victim.”

The court concluded, “Considering various factors comprehensively, the life sentence from the original trial does not exceed the reasonable range of discretion and cannot be seen as excessively light or heavy,” dismissing both the prosecution’s and Choi Yoon-jong’s appeals.

Choi Yoon-jong was brought to trial for allegedly indiscriminately assaulting the victim with a fist wearing a metal knuckle and strangling her to death for about three minutes on the morning of August 17 last year on the Mokgolsan hiking trail in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul.

Previously, the first trial court pointed out, “The victim, who did nothing wrong, lost her life and has no way to recover from the damage, and the bereaved family has suffered irreparable pain.”

However, it explained the sentencing rationale, saying, “Rather than depriving life itself, sentencing to life imprisonment, which permanently isolates the defendant from society and deprives his freedom, blocks the possibility of reoffending and allows the defendant to sincerely apologize to the victim and bereaved family who lost a precious life due to this crime and to repent for his wrongdoing during the incarceration period.”

Both sides appealed the first trial verdict. The prosecution sought the death penalty again in the appellate court, while Choi Yoon-jong’s defense denied the intent to murder.

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