Man sentenced to 5 years for stabbing acquaintance over debt

A 60-year-old man in Busan has been sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder after stabbing an acquaintance during a dispute over a borrowed sum of money.

The incident took place on December 23rd of last year. The defendant and the victim, both in their 60s, had a heated phone conversation that escalated into a meeting at Daedeo Ecological Park in Gangseo-gu. The defendant, carrying a knife concealed in his pocket, arrived at the agreed location.

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Life is an absolute value that cannot be exchanged for anything.

During the ensuing argument, the defendant produced the knife, threatening the victim with phrases like "You have to die now." He then proceeded to stab the victim multiple times in the chest and arms. Fortunately, the victim survived the attack but sustained injuries requiring approximately eight weeks of medical treatment.

In court, the defense argued that the defendant acted in self-defense and only intended to intimidate the victim, not to kill him. However, the court rejected this claim. Presiding Judge Na Won-sik stated, "Life is an absolute value that cannot be exchanged for anything." The court cited the defendant's failure to make any significant efforts toward restitution and the victim's explicit request for severe punishment as key factors in its sentencing decision.

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You have to die now.