Prosecutors Seek 7-Year Maximum, 4-Year Minimum Prison Sentence for Teen Who Attacked High School Girl with Weapon

"A Grave Crime Infringing on the Right to Life"
Victim’s Side Demands Severe Punishment

Prosecutors have requested a prison sentence for a teenage male who attempted to murder a high school girl by stabbing her multiple times with a weapon in a residential area of Seoul.

Seoul Southern District Court. Photo by Jiye Lee

During the sentencing hearing held on September 29 in the Criminal Division 13 of the Seoul Southern District Court (presiding judge: Seo Bomin), prosecutors urged the court to sentence Hong (17), who was indicted and detained on charges including attempted murder and violations of the Stalking Punishment Act, to a maximum of 7 years and a minimum of 4 years in prison. The prosecutors stated, "Please take into account the seriousness of this grave crime that infringes on the right to life, the likely severe psychological trauma experienced by the victim, and the fact that the victim is requesting severe punishment."

Hong was indicted and detained for wielding a weapon against Ms. A in July in a multi-family residential area in Hwagok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul.

Hong chased Ms. A, who was attempting to flee, and continued to swing the weapon until he was subdued by nearby citizens.

According to investigations, Hong testified that after hearing Ms. A, whom he had dated from November last year until early July of this year, was seeing a new man, he resolved to kill Ms. A and then take his own life. Despite Ms. A's clear intention not to be contacted, Hong reportedly sent dozens of KakaoTalk messages and even visited her residence before committing the crime.

Hong’s legal counsel fully admitted to the charges and pleaded for leniency. In his final statement, Hong said, "I have done something that should never have happened, and I have made a grave mistake. I will accept my punishment." He continued, "Even if I am never forgiven, I will strive to spend my life repenting and reflecting on my actions."

The victim’s representative argued that, since the victim sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment, "This incident could have cost her life, so settlement is impossible," and called for a severe sentence. The representative also pointed out that Hong had reportedly told people around him before the crime that he intended to kill the victim, stating, "His intent to murder was clear."

The sentencing hearing will take place at 2 p.m. on October 2.

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