Court Sentences Jang Yoon-ki to Life Imprisonment for Attempted Rape and Murder of High School Student

A court has sentenced Jang Yoon-ki to life imprisonment for the murder of a high school student committed with the intent to commit sexual violence.

The 13th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jeong-ho, delivered the life sentence on September 30 for charges including violation of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act (rape-murder).

Jang was charged with killing Lee Chae-won, a stranger, while attempting to commit a sexual crime against her on May 5 in the Wollyeong-dong area of Gwangju. He also attacked a male high school student who rushed to help Lee after hearing her screams.

Additionally, Jang faces charges for raping a female co-worker two days before the attack on Lee and for secretly filming a young woman while serving as a social service worker.

During a sentencing hearing on August 31, prosecutors requested the death penalty, stating, "We ask for the harshest punishment for the defendant." The primary charge of rape-murder carries a maximum penalty of either death or life imprisonment.

Prosecutors explained their reasoning for the severe sentence, noting 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.

Throughout the trial, Jang acknowledged all charges related to the murder for sexual purposes and submitted three letters of remorse.

The family of Lee has submitted a petition to the court with approximately 100,000 signatures from citizens, urging for the maximum sentence and has been conducting a one-person protest to call for severe punishment.