Father Pleads for Strict Punishment for Man Who Stabbed Friend Dozens of Times

Twenty-four-year-old Jung Jae-hwan, who was indicted on charges of murdering his friend by stabbing him dozens of times with a weapon, admitted to the physical act in court but denied any intent to murder, claiming he could not remember the incident.

The Daegu District Court held its second trial for Jung Jae-hwan, who is being held in custody on charges including murder.

Jung's defense attorney acknowledged that the defendant committed the acts regarding the charges of murder, injury, and theft, but argued that the defendant had no intent to commit murder at the time of the crime.

The attorney stated, "It is not that the defendant claims he did not kill the victim, but rather that he was drunk and has no recollection of the situation at the time."

The victim's legal representative argued that a psychological evaluation is unnecessary and that the defendant's plea of mental and physical infirmity should not be accepted.

The victim's lawyer said, "The defendant applied for a psychological evaluation while claiming extreme intoxication in order to receive a reduced sentence," adding, "It must be considered that he knew he was harming someone even in his intoxicated state."

The court stated, "Checking the defendant's psychological state is very important," and added, "We will review the records to determine whether an additional psychological evaluation is necessary."

A large number of the bereaved family members and friends of the victim attended the courtroom on this day.

The victim's father was given a direct opportunity to speak in court and appealed to the judges for strict punishment.

The victim's father said, "My son was an ordinary student. Except for the period he spent serving in the military, I raised him entirely in my arms," adding, "A child like that died a death worse than being a roadkill victim."

He continued, "My son died such a gruesome death that I couldn't even hold his hand once," and appealed for a stern punishment against Jung, saying, "I have to live the rest of my life like a sinner, looking at a single photograph every day. Please sweep away this trash."

Jung was sent to trial for allegedly drinking with the victim, a friend, at his home in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do, in the early hours of July 4, during which he stabbed the victim dozens of times with a weapon, resulting in death.

(Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Lee Yu-jin | Graphics by Lee Su-min | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.