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🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

Man gets 3.5 years for pouring boiling water on Thai wife's face

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A South Korean man received a 3-year, 6-month prison sentence for pouring boiling water on his sleeping Thai wife's face.
  • The court found the crime exceptionally cruel, noting the victim suffered severe burns to her face and neck, essential for social interaction.
  • The judge cited the man's motive to prevent his wife from meeting other men and the victim's vulnerable status as factors in the sentence, which exceeded the prosecution's request.

A South Korean man has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for pouring boiling water on his sleeping Thai wife, causing severe burns to her face and neck. The court handed down a sentence harsher than the prosecution's recommendation.

Water boiled and poured on the face of a sleeping spouse, a cruel crime unimaginable to ordinary people.

— Judge Kim Jun-youngThe judge described the severity and nature of the assault during sentencing.

Presiding Judge Kim Jun-young of the Uijeongbu District Court stated the act was "exceptionally cruel, unimaginable to ordinary people." He emphasized that the victim sustained injuries to her face, a crucial aspect for social interaction, while defenseless. The judge noted the crime appeared motivated by a desire to prevent the victim from seeing other men, indicating a high possibility of recidivism.

The victim was injured in the face, the most important part of the body for social life, while defenseless.

— Judge Kim Jun-youngThe judge highlighted the specific injuries and the victim's vulnerability.

The court also considered the victim's vulnerable situation. She was temporarily residing in South Korea on a marriage visa, unfamiliar with the language and society. The judge stated these factors were reflected in the sentencing. The defense claimed the act was a result of the victim's infidelity, but the court ruled that such a brutal act could not be justified regardless of the circumstances.

The crime appears to have been committed with the intention of preventing her from meeting other men, and the possibility of reoffending is very high.

— Judge Kim Jun-youngThe judge cited the motive behind the assault as a factor in determining the sentence.

Initially, the husband denied the charges, claiming it was an accidental spill. However, he later admitted to the charges during the trial and sought leniency. The victim initially submitted a letter stating she did not wish to pursue charges, but later, with the help of an immigrant support group, submitted a statement expressing her desire for punishment. The court deemed the initial statement not a true expression of her will, citing her dependence on the accused due to visa and medical cost issues.

The victim was trembling with anxiety over visa and treatment costs, and due to these real-world problems, she had no choice but to depend on the person who injured her.

— Judge Kim Jun-youngThe judge explained why the victim's initial statement of forgiveness was not considered a true expression of her will.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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