60s Man Gets 15 Years in Second Trial for Stabbing Acquaintance Over 50,000 Won Debt

A South Korean man in his 60s has received a 15-year prison sentence for the second time after being convicted of murdering an acquaintance over a debt of 50,000 won (approximately $36 USD).

The Daegu High Court's Criminal Division 1-2 upheld the sentence on appeal, rejecting the defendant's plea. The court stated that the original sentencing adequately considered all relevant factors and did not fall outside the bounds of reasonable judicial discretion.

The defendant, identified as Mr. A, 63, was charged with murder for allegedly striking Mr. B, 67, with a blunt object and stabbing him multiple times with a knife at his residence on December 30 last year. Investigations revealed that the fatal altercation began when Mr. B demanded repayment of the 50,000 won loan. Mr. A, claiming to have no money, became enraged when Mr. B persisted, leading to a physical fight.

During the struggle, Mr. A reportedly grabbed a blunt object after being pushed by the larger Mr. B, subsequently committing the stabbing. The first trial had also handed down a 15-year sentence, citing the defendant's self-reporting to the police after the incident and the gravity of the crime, which necessitated a severe punishment.

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The original sentencing appears to have sufficiently considered factors both unfavorable and favorable to the defendant. The original sentence does not seem unreasonably heavy, exceeding the bounds of discretion.