Third Trial for Chang Yoon-ki Held... Bereaved Family of Female High School Student and Injured Male Student Take the Stand

The third trial for Chang Yoon-ki, the perpetrator in the Gwangju female high school student murder case, is underway at the Gwangju District Court. At today's (July 27) hearing, the bereaved family of the late Lee Chae-won and a male high school student who was injured by the weapon wielded by Chang are testifying as witnesses to recount the events of that day.

Reporter Jeong Jiyeon.

Sitting in the defendant's seat at the third trial, which began at 10 a.m., Chang Yoon-ki stared straight ahead with a blank expression throughout.

The prosecution additionally submitted about 180 pieces of evidence, including smartphone forensics data and call records. Chang's legal team stated that while they consent to certain pieces of evidence—such as sexual-content conversations with school alumni and coworkers—being accepted as evidence, they disagree with the intent behind their submission.

Chang's side explained that they are not contesting the indictment charges themselves, but rather arguing that these conversations have low relevance to the charges.

As Chang's defense acknowledged the conversation transcripts as evidence, the prosecution withdrew its previously filed request to summon two acquaintances as witnesses.

Today's hearing features testimony from the parents of the late Lee Chae-won, as well as a male student who was severely injured by Chang's weapon after hearing screams and attempting to help.

The witness examinations for the bereaved family and the other victim are being held behind closed doors upon the prosecution's request.

Following the conclusion of the third trial, the upcoming fourth trial is expected to feature the examination of defendant Chang Yoon-ki to verify the details and motives behind the crime.

Near the Gwangju District Court where the trial is taking place, a representative from the National Police Workplace Council held a solo protest, stating that suspicions of shoddy police work in the Chang Yoon-ki case have "stigmatized the entire police force as a corrupt group," and urged the prosecution to release the investigative report.

(Video footage by Kim Se-kyung | Video editing by Shin Se-eun)

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