Man Gets 12 Years on Appeal for Attempted Murder of Ex-Girlfriend, Assault on Daughter

The appellate court has upheld a severe sentence for a man who attempted to murder his former girlfriend and assaulted her daughter, delivering a stark message about the consequences of domestic violence and obsessive behavior. The 40-year-old defendant, identified only as Mr. Cho, received a 12-year prison sentence, mirroring the initial ruling, along with a 15-year order for electronic monitoring.

This case, originating in Gwangju, highlights a disturbing pattern of escalation. Mr. Cho, already facing charges for a previous assault on his ex-partner after she ended their relationship, resorted to extreme violence. He broke into her home armed with a weapon, intending to kill her. In a horrifying turn, he also physically assaulted her daughter, binding her hands and feet and forcing her to urge her mother to return, thereby luring the victim.

The court's decision to deny the appeal and maintain the harsh sentence is a testament to the severity of the crimes. Despite the victim's consistent assertion that Mr. Cho lacked the intent to kill, the judges found the evidence overwhelming. The appellate court specifically cited the brutal nature of the attack, including stabbing the victim and remaining on top of her for an extended period, as indicative of a clear intent to cause death. The court also noted the defendant's lack of genuine remorse or efforts to compensate the victims for their suffering, reinforcing the justification for the severe penalty.