"Victim Also Played Media Games"... Controversy Surrounds Presiding Judge in 'Busan Roundhouse Kick' Trial

[Anchor]

Remarks made by the presiding judge during the appellate trial of the attacker in the "Busan Roundhouse Kick" case for retaliatory intimidation are sparking controversy. The judge made comments suggesting that the victim engaged in media play during the trial proceedings, prompting the victim's side to express deep discomfort.

Reporter Jeon Yeonnam has the details.

[Reporter]

The assailant, surnamed Lee, was sentenced to a final 20 years in prison for the "Busan Roundhouse Kick" case.

While on trial for attempted rape and murder in 2023, Lee was additionally indicted on charges of telling fellow inmates at a detention center that he would escape and retaliate against the victim. He was sentenced to one year in prison in the first trial.

[Fellow Detention Center Inmate (2023): "He told me every single day for two weeks, 'I'm going to go find the victim and kill her, beat her up more.'"]

During the appellate trial for Lee's retaliatory intimidation charges held yesterday (Sept. 9), a video witness examination was conducted for a YouTuber and fellow inmate of Lee, referred to as A.

Witness A testified that Lee had asked him to broadcast Lee's stance on YouTube after his release. A stated that while he felt the intention was to frighten the victim and prevent her from engaging in media activities, Lee did not ask him to convey any intent to retaliate.

However, a clash occurred in the courtroom between the victim's legal representative and the presiding judge during this process.

The presiding judge questioned Witness A with remarks to the effect of, "The defendant is making his own arguments, but isn't this something the victim shouldn't necessarily be afraid of?"

When the victim's lawyer objected, the judge stated, "Didn't the victim also engage in a considerable amount of media play during the trial process?", adding that "the case feels like it is being politicized" and that "the court merely verifies the facts and applies the law."

The victim's side maintains that the process was a public discussion regarding flawed initial police investigations, not media play.

[Kim Jin-joo / Victim of the 'Roundhouse Kick' Case: "It paints me as someone who believes that applying external pressure can change the case. I have respected the court and simply waited quietly..."]

The court plans to hold one more hearing on October 7 to close arguments.

(Video Editing: Chae Chul-ho)

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