Husband in His 70s Sentenced to 16 Years for Setting Wife on Fire During Marital Dispute

Court: "Impulsive Act, Considered Age After Release"

A man in his seventies who was put on trial for setting his wife on fire and causing her death after a marital dispute has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term in the first trial.

On June 12, the 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Northern District Court (Presiding Judge Choi Kyungseo) sentenced Choi (75), who was indicted on murder charges, to 16 years in prison. The court rejected the prosecution's request for an electronic monitoring device order.

Choi was indicted for pouring thinner on his wife and setting her on fire in a fit of rage during an argument at their home last year, which led to her death from systemic sepsis. The wife had suffered severe burns across her body and had been receiving treatment, but ultimately passed away.

The court stated, "The method of killing was extremely brutal, and the victim survived for a period of time, making it difficult to fathom the pain she endured before her death," adding, "The defendant claimed he set the fire in an attempt to commit suicide, but this does not align with the objective facts."

The court further explained the sentencing, saying, "Although this case was a somewhat impulsive act, the defendant extinguished the fire himself immediately after the incident. The court also considered the defendant's advanced age, his capacity to serve the sentence, and his age upon release."

Previously, at the sentencing hearing on May 15, the prosecution had demanded a 20-year prison term for Choi, along with a 30-year order to wear an electronic location tracking device.

At the time, Choi argued in his final statement, "I was intoxicated and have long been receiving treatment for panic disorder. The crime was committed impulsively after prolonged conflict with my spouse."

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