Prosecutors have requested the death penalty for Jang Yoon-ki, 23, who is charged with murdering a high school student for the purpose of sexual assault.
According to Yonhap News, the Gwangju District Prosecutor's Office made the request during the fourth hearing of the case under the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, held on August 31 at the Gwangju District Court's Criminal Division 13, presided over by Judge Lee Jeong-ho.
The prosecution cited the risk of recidivism as a key reason for seeking the death penalty, stating, "There is a high risk of reoffending, including murder and sexual assault, if he returns to society." During his final statement, Jang expressed remorse, saying, "I am sorry to the victim and will carry the burden of my crime for life." The charge of murder with intent to commit sexual assault carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.
The family of the victim, the late Lee Chae-won, urged for severe punishment ahead of the hearing. Lee was a second-year high school student at the time of the incident. The family submitted a petition for harsh punishment signed by over 50,000 citizens and conducted a one-person protest demanding the maximum sentence.
A legal representative for the family stated, "The victim's family and those close to her, as well as the entire community, are suffering. Considering the social impact, we urge the court to impose a severe sentence on the defendant."
Jang was arrested and indicted for allegedly killing Lee on May 5 at around 12:10 a.m. in a secluded walkway in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, while attempting to commit a sexual crime. He is also accused of wielding a weapon when a high school student nearby heard Lee's screams and rushed to help.
The prosecution believes Jang's criminal activities extend beyond this murder. The charges include allegations of raping a 26-year-old Vietnamese woman, a co-worker, two days before the murder, and secretly filming a young woman while serving as a social service worker.
According to Yonhap, the prosecution has requested the death penalty based on the assessment that Jang poses a significant risk of committing similar crimes if he is released. The court's decision on the prosecution's request for the death penalty is expected to be announced on September 30.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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