On Thursday, a South Korean court is set to announce the first trial verdict for a middle school student who attacked Representative Bae Hyun Jin of the People Power Party with a rock.
Under Judge Lee Hyun Kyung, the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court will hold the sentencing hearing for the 16-year-old defendant on Thursday.
The key issue in this case is whether the court will accept the defendant’s claim of diminished capacity. If the court finds that the defendant was suffering from impaired mental capacity at the time of the crime, it could lead to a reduced sentence.
Although the defense team has acknowledged all charges, they argue that the defendant’s judgment and decision-making abilities were severely impaired during the incident.
The prosecution, however, strongly disputes this claim, asserting that the defendant responded logically during questioning, even four days after the crime.
Additionally, the prosecution stated there were no signs of hallucinations, impaired social discernment, or compromised decision-making during the attack. They argue that the defendant demonstrated the ability to understand questions, adjust his behavior, and anticipate the consequences, particularly when answering unfavorable questions or altering his statements.
The defendant’s attorney also requested a closed trial, citing concerns that increased tension might hinder the defendant’s ability to speak and disrupt the proceedings.
However, the court denied the request, ruling that the reasons provided did not justify a closed trial. As a result, the trial continued in public.
The defendant is charged with attacking Rep. Bae on January 25, 2024, at around 5:12 p.m. on the first floor of a building in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam. He allegedly struck her head about 15 times with a rock, causing injury.
As a result of the assault, Rep. Bae suffered a scalp laceration and facial injuries, requiring three days of hospitalization.
Reports indicate that the defendant had gone to the building to meet an aspiring celebrity and encountered Rep. Bae by chance. He claims that he acted unconsciously during the attack.