South Korean denies murder charge in Tokyo girlfriend killing trial

A 31-year-old South Korean man, identified only by his surname Park, has denied murdering his girlfriend in Tokyo, asserting he had no intention to kill her. The trial began at the Tokyo District Court, where Park faces charges including murder.

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I did not commit murder with the intention of killing.

Prosecutors contend that Park's actions were premeditated. They presented evidence that he visited the victim's apartment 13 times before the incident and lay in wait near the scene on the day of the killing. The prosecution believes Park planned the murder after being informed of the breakup by the victim, identified as Ms. A.

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The defendant planned the crime after being angered by the breakup.

Park's defense team argued that his visits were to seek an apology from Ms. A and that the knife he carried was intended for his own suicide. They claim Ms. A was accidentally stabbed during a physical altercation. Park admitted to stalking charges but vehemently denied the murder charge.

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The reason I went to see Ms. A was to receive a direct apology.

Ms. A, a Japanese permanent resident working in the apparel industry, had reportedly sought help from a local police station two days before her death, citing issues with Park after she ended their relationship. The police had issued a restraining order against Park. Despite this, Park allegedly deceived authorities about leaving Japan, only to return and commit the crime.

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The knife I had at the time was prepared for the purpose of committing suicide.