[Anchor]
Jang Yun-gi, the perpetrator of the murder of a high school girl in Gwangju, has admitted in court for the first time that he committed the murder with the intent of sexual assault, two months after the incident. Jang, who had previously denied the charges, finally acknowledged them after being presented with enhanced CCTV footage of the crime. The bereaved family has repeatedly called for a severe punishment.
Report by Im Jihyeon.
[Reporter]
The second trial for the high school girl murder case was held at the Gwangju District Court.
The core issue of this trial was whether Jang Yun-gi would admit that the crime was committed with the intent of sexual assault.
As the trial began, Jang's defense attorney stated that they acknowledge all the charges brought by the prosecution, including rape and murder.
When asked by the court if he agreed with his attorney's statement, Jang replied briefly, "Yes."
This marks the first time Jang has admitted to the rape and murder charges since the crime occurred in May.
Previously, Jang had submitted a handwritten statement to the court claiming he was unfairly accused while denying the sexual assault motive, and he had deferred expressing his stance on the charges during the first trial held on June 22.
However, during the supplementary investigation, the prosecution enhanced the quality of dashcam footage from the time of the crime, which captured Jang leaving the rear door of his vehicle open and subduing the late Lee Chae-won before attempting to drag her inside.
After the first trial, Jang reviewed this footage with his attorney and subsequently admitted to the motive behind the crime.
During today's (July 13) hearing, the prosecution requested additional evidence, including forensic footage of Jang's vehicle—which police had sent late despite the discovery of cable ties—and a forensic report regarding a damaged sex doll.
The victim's family held a press conference just before the trial to demand a severe sentence.
[Mother of the late Lee Chae-won: Please impose the heaviest punishment the law can give to that devil-like person, which is the death penalty, the maximum sentence allowed by law.]
The family also criticized Jang for showing no genuine remorse, citing a letter he submitted to the court in which he wrote that he "harmed the victim without thinking of the consequences, affecting countless people and stealing a piece of their daily lives."
[Kim Moon-seok / Legal representative for the bereaved family: It appears to be a typical, strategic choice intended to lower his sentencing by claiming he has shown 'sincere remorse'...]
The third trial is scheduled for July 27, where witness testimonies from the bereaved family and acquaintances of Jang Yun-gi are expected to take place.
(Video reporting: Joo Yong-jin | Video editing: Park Ji-in | Graphics: Kim Han-gil, Kim Min-young)
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