"I Want the Death Penalty, It's About Pride"... Jang Yoongi Shows No Remorse in Prison Remarks

Fellow Inmate at Gwangju Prison Reports to MBC
"I Prefer the Death Penalty to Life Imprisonment," "The Red Name Tag Looks Cool"
First Trial Verdict Set for the 30th...Prosecution Seeks Death Penalty

Jang Yoongi, who is on trial for murdering a high school girl for the purpose of committing a sex crime, reportedly showed no signs of remorse while in prison and allegedly expressed a desire to be sentenced to death, according to a fellow inmate.

Jang Yoon-gi, whose identity was revealed on charges including murder and attempted murder. Gwangju Police Agency

On September 17, MBC reported the testimony of inmate A, who claimed to have been incarcerated on the same floor as Jang Yoongi at Gwangju Prison. A, who is detained on theft charges, said he was not in the same cell as Jang Yoongi, but had several conversations with him through the window. At first, Jang did not respond, but reportedly started speaking as other inmates became interested.

"The Red Name Tag Looks Cool"—Remarks Reported by the Informant

According to A, Jang said, "I would rather get the death penalty than life imprisonment." When A asked why he wanted the death penalty, Jang replied, "The red name tag looks cool" and "I’m going to spend my whole life here anyway." Even when criticized for not coming to his senses, Jang reportedly responded, "I like the red name tag," and "It’s about pride." At the time, Jang was wearing a yellow name tag, indicating he was under close observation. Red name tags are given to inmates who have been sentenced to death.

A said that when he asked about Jang's motive for the crime, Jang implied that he had sexual fantasies about minors. A added, "When I asked, 'Are you Jang Yoongi?', he just smiled and waved his hand." On why he decided to come forward, A said, "Jang has no remorse, and in any case like this, there is always a victim."

Jang is accused of stabbing a high school girl to death with a weapon on a walkway in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, at about 12:10 a.m. on May 5 while she was on her way home. He also allegedly swung a weapon at a male student who came running after hearing her screams, injuring him. The charges brought against him include rape and murder as well as attempted murder under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. He was remanded and sent to Gwangju Prison on May 14.

Prosecution Seeks Death Penalty... Jang Yoongi’s Side Denies Planned Crime

On the 31st of last month, the fourth trial of the first instance for 'High School Girl Murderer' Jang Yoon-gi was held in front of Gwangju District Court, where the late Lee Chaewon's parents held a protest demanding a severe punishment. Photo by Yonhap News

At the sentencing hearing held on August 31, the prosecution requested the death penalty for Jang Yoongi. Prosecutors pointed to evidence that Jang followed the victim for 15 minutes and prepared cable ties, indicating premeditation. They also noted that Jang, after committing the crime, visited a laundromat and a hair salon, which they argued demonstrated a high risk of reoffending. The crime reportedly occurred within 140 seconds.

On the other hand, Jang’s side has consistently denied any element of premeditation. At the sentencing hearing, his attorney argued that the cable ties had been purchased five months before the crime to organize computer cables, and did not accept the charge of preparing for abduction. At previous hearings, the defense also did not agree to accept the statement record as evidence; this record is said to contain either denials of the charges by Jang or contradictions in his testimony.

In his final statement, Jang said, "I am deeply sorry to the victim and will carry the burden of my crime for the rest of my life." The bereaved family of the late Lee Chaewon, the victim, appeared in court with a petition signed by about 50,000 citizens calling for heavy punishment, and appealed to the court, arguing that Jang has been making excuses and rationalizations. The verdict for the first trial is scheduled for September 30.

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