'High School Girl Murder' Jang Yoonki's First Trial... Murder Motive Stance 'Withheld'

Sighs and Anger Over "Certification Plans in Prison"
Next Hearing Scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 13

Jang Yoonki (23), who brutally murdered a high school girl he did not know while she was returning home late at night, admitted to most of the charges during his first trial, except for the motive for the murder.

Jang Yoonki, 23, accused of murder and attempted murder, stands on the photo line before being transferred to the prosecution at Gwangju West Police Station on the morning of the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the morning of June 22 at 10 a.m., the 13th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Joungho) held the first trial for Jang Yoonki, who was indicted and detained on charges including violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (rape and murder), attempted murder, preparation for murder, and violation of the Anti-Stalking Act.

Wearing a light ochre short-sleeved prison uniform, Jang Yoonki entered the courtroom and stared at the desk with his head bowed, showing no change in expression throughout the proceedings. Amid heavy silence, the prosecution read the indictment, which revealed the full extent of Jang Yoonki's premeditated and brutal crimes.

According to the investigation, on the 3rd of last month, Jang Yoonki raped and detained for 13 hours a foreign woman, Ms. A (26), who had worked with him at a restaurant. After the incident became known at work and the two were separated, an enraged Jang Yoonki decided to kill Ms. A. He withdrew 1 million won in cash, purchased two weapons, threw his mobile phone into the Yeongsan River, and using another phone, searched for tracking methods while lingering near Ms. A’s residence for three days.

Unable to find Ms. A, on May 5—Children’s Day—at around 12:11 a.m., Jang Yoonki randomly encountered Lee Chaewon (16) on a street in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, and chose her as his next target. He followed her by car for about 1.2 kilometers, then tried to kidnap her by choking her and forcing her into the vehicle. When Lee screamed and resisted, he stabbed her multiple times, causing her to die from severe bleeding and shock. He then attempted to kill another high school student, Mr. Ko (17), who had rushed to help Lee, but fled after failing. Immediately after the crime, he calmly went to a laundromat to wash his clothes and then visited a hair salon.

During the trial, Jang Yoonki’s court-appointed lawyer stated, “We acknowledge all the charges, but we need to discuss with the defendant whether the purpose of the murder was rape.” He added that they would confirm the evidence and clarify their position at a later date. In response, the court firmly stated that reviewing the evidence would not be allowed without first clarifying the admission of charges.

When the content of a handwritten statement Jang Yoonki submitted to the court was released, the courtroom was filled with sighs and anger. In the statement, Jang wrote, “If I get the chance during my prison term, I will try to obtain certifications from time to time.”

Kim Moonseok, an attorney from Donghaeng Partners representing the bereaved family, said, “While the victim’s time was forever frozen at the age of 16 due to the defendant’s crime, it is heartbreaking that he is planning for his own future even while in custody. Arguing over the intent of rape after reviewing the prosecution’s evidence is nothing but an unacceptable ploy to reduce his sentence.”

After the trial, civic groups including the Gwangju-Jeonnam Women’s Association United held a press conference in front of the main gate of the Gwangju District Court, demanding severe punishment for Jang Yoonki. Lee’s mother, who attended the press conference, tearfully pleaded, “Please ensure the heaviest punishment possible, even if it means creating a new law. That is the least justice we can give my daughter, whose life was cut short so unfairly.”

The court plans to continue the examination of evidence at the next hearing for Jang Yoonki, scheduled for July 13 at 10 a.m.

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