Called a fool for not taking sides in a fight... Attempted to kill neighbor after wife's scolding

A restaurant owner in his 40s who attempted to kill the owner of a neighboring store after a heated argument with his wife, following a severe scolding from her, was sentenced to a suspended prison term.

According to Yonhap News on the 16th, the Incheon District Court Criminal Division 12 (Presiding Judge Shim Jae-wan) sentenced Mr. A (45), who was indicted on charges of attempted murder, to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 4-year suspension.

Mr. A had been running a restaurant with his wife for nearly 10 years in a traditional market in Incheon. In August, he received a severe scolding from his wife, Mrs. B. On that day, Mrs. B had a serious argument with Mr. C (68), the owner of a neighboring side dish store, exchanging insults over the issue of opening and closing a window installed in the market.

The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Shrimp tempura

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Mrs. B confronted Mr. A, saying, "Why did you just stand by and watch when you had a fight with the neighboring store owner?" and "If not you, then who will protect me?" She even went as far as to say, "You seem like a fool. I want a divorce from you."

Mr. C had been selling the same menu item, shrimp tempura, next door since the busy Chuseok season two years ago, causing ongoing conflicts with Mr. A and his wife. Feeling deep self-loathing and guilt from his wife's scolding and criticism, Mr. A went to Mr. C's store around 8:50 a.m. the next day to seek an apology. He brought a weapon he had left at his store, placing it in the back pocket of his right pants, intending to intimidate Mr. C if he did not apologize properly.

Mr. A confronted Mr. C, who was preparing for business, saying, "Why did you treat my wife that way yesterday?" and "My wife said you shouted that she shouldn't open the window first. Is that true?" Mr. C responded, "Your wife came to me first, shouting, 'Why can't I open the window?'" and told him to "stop repeating the same thing." He even pushed Mr. A out of the store, saying, "You should have basic manners while doing business." At that moment, unable to control his anger, Mr. A attacked Mr. C with the weapon.

Fortunately, Mr. C was wearing a durable waterproof apron at the time and survived the attack. Other merchants who heard the commotion rushed to the side dish store and stopped the fight. Mr. C was later diagnosed with injuries requiring four weeks of treatment at a hospital. Mr. A was arrested after investigations by the police and prosecution.

The court pointed out, "Considering the circumstances and method of the defendant's crime, the culpability is serious," and "the victim suffered considerable physical pain due to this incident." Regarding sentencing, the court explained, "The defendant admitted to the crime and is remorseful, reached a settlement with the victim, the victim does not wish for punishment, and the defendant has no prior criminal record other than fines."

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