Prosecutors have requested the death penalty for Jang Yoon-ki, who murdered a high school girl with whom he had no prior acquaintance for sexual purposes.
On August 31, the Gwangju District Prosecutor's Office made the request during a sentencing hearing at the Gwangju District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jeong-ho, for violations of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (rape and murder).
The primary charge against Jang, rape-murder, carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.
Prosecutors emphasized that although Jang scored below the threshold on a psychopathy assessment, his emotional instability and cold demeanor indicate a high risk of reoffending, including murder and sexual assault, if he were to return to society.
Details of Jang's dangerous behavior were highlighted by the prosecution. After killing the victim, Lee Chae-won, a 17-year-old high school student, Jang was found to have returned to the residence of a former stalking target, a female co-worker. Additionally, evidence of his past distorted sexual attitudes, including attempts to solicit minors, was revealed during the trial.
Before the sentencing procedure, a closed-door examination of the defendant was conducted. Prosecutors focused on Jang's denial of the charges and his inconsistent statements during the investigation. Typically, such inconsistencies are viewed as a lack of remorse and can negatively impact sentencing.
The court approved a change to the indictment as requested by the prosecution and issued a search warrant. The revised indictment revealed that Jang had prepared for the crime by leaving the back door of his vehicle open. A bundle of 25 cable ties, measuring 40 centimeters each, found in the car was accepted as evidence, although the defense claimed they were obtained during a past computer purchase and denied any connection to the crime.
In his final statement, Jang said, "I deeply apologize to the victim and her family, as I have left an indelible scar on their lives. I will carry the weight of my sins for the rest of my life."
Earlier, on May 5, Jang was arrested for attempting to commit a sexual crime against Lee on a sidewalk in the Gwangsan District of Gwangju, where he strangled her to death. He was also charged with wielding a weapon against another high school student who came to her aid.
The indictment includes additional charges of sexual assault against a co-worker two days before the murder and illegal filming of minors during his time as a social service worker.
The victim's family has submitted a petition for severe punishment signed by over 50,000 citizens and has been conducting a one-person protest urging the court to impose the maximum sentence. The family's legal representative stated, "Considering the social impact and the ongoing suffering of those affected, a severe sentence must be imposed."
The first-instance verdict for Jang Yoon-ki is scheduled for September 30 at 2 p.m.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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