Attempted Murderer Caught While Renewing License Sentenced to 10 Years in First Trial

An attempted murderer, who was caught for the first time in 16 years after visiting a police station to renew his driver's license, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term.

On September 26, the 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Woohyun) sentenced Lee (age 70), who was indicted and detained on charges of attempted murder, to 10 years in prison.

In October 2009, in Eunpyeong District, Seoul, Lee attempted to kill a karaoke bar owner with whom he was in competition. He went to the scene carrying a can filled with burning thinner and a wooden club, but ended up throwing the can at karaoke bar employee Kim, who tried to stop him, causing severe burns to Kim's entire body.

The case remained unsolved as Lee escaped immediately after the crime and police were unable to apprehend him. However, in March of this year, Lee was caught by police at the Guro Police Station’s civil affairs office when he visited to obtain a certificate of driving experience and his identity was verified.

The court stated, "Victim Kim continues to suffer greatly even now, about 15 years after the crime," and criticized, "Nevertheless, the defendant fled immediately after the crime and continued to evade authorities, causing the victims ongoing pain and anxiety."

The court added, "Even though a settlement was eventually reached with Kim, a substantial prison sentence is unavoidable."

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