South Korean Teen's Sentence Increased for Attempted Kidnapping of Schoolgirl

A teenager convicted of attempting to kidnap a primary school girl in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, has received an increased sentence following an appeal.

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The defendant is arguing about the execution of rape and abduction, but after reviewing the record in this court, the original judgment is deemed just.

The appellate court revised the original sentence, imposing a longer prison term of four years maximum and two years and six months minimum. The court also ordered the offender to complete an 80-hour sex offense treatment program and prohibited him from working at institutions related to children and adolescents for five years. The court found that the original sentence was too lenient given the nature of the crime.

Judges stated that the defendant's arguments regarding the execution of the assault and abduction were unfounded. They emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that the defendant followed a child he did not know with the intent to abduct and assault her. The court highlighted the significant physical and psychological distress inflicted upon the young victim, acknowledging that her recovery would likely be difficult.

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Given the nature and method of the crime, which involved following an unfamiliar child to commit abduction and rape, the offense is of a poor nature and the guilt is heavy.

The appeals court concluded that the original sentence was inadequate, considering the severity of the crime, the defendant's culpability, and the profound impact on the victim. The ruling reflects a stricter stance on crimes against minors.

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Considering the significant physical and psychological pain inflicted on the victim and the difficulty of her future recovery, the original sentence was deemed too lenient and thus unfair.