Mr. A was sentenced to three years in prison on charges of attempted murder after stabbing his daughter-in-law multiple times.
The Seoul Western District Court handed down the verdict on June 26.
The court rejected Mr. A’s claim that he did not intend to kill.
“Considering the method of the crime and the weapon used, it is judged that the defendant committed the crime while recognizing that his actions could result in the victim’s death.”
— Seoul Western District Court
The victim is reportedly still suffering from shock and aftereffects.
“The victim is still suffering from the aftereffects of the crime committed in the house where she should be living peacefully.”
— Seoul Western District Court
Judges also dismissed the reasoning behind the attack.
“Since the victim is not responsible for the breakdown of the relationship between the defendant and his son, it is difficult to accept the reason for the crime, and it seems to be a one-sided venting of anger.”
— Seoul Western District Court
The court took into account that Mr. A admitted to the crime, had no prior offenses, and his advanced age lowered the risk of reoffending.
Netizens reacted with disbelief over the light sentence.
- “Why did he stab his daughter-in-law when he was mad at his son?!”
- “How does stabbing someone multiple times and saying they didn’t have any intention to kill make sense?”
- “Only three years…?”
The stabbing took place on January 10 at their home. Mr. A allegedly stabbed his daughter-in-law, a woman in her 50s, multiple times. She suffered fractured ribs but her life was not in danger.