Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for 'Gangbuk Motel Serial Murder' Suspect Kim So-young

Prosecutors have sought the maximum legal penalty for Kim So-young, the defendant in the Gangbuk motel murder case, citing the severity of the crimes and a lack of remorse.

During the sentencing hearing held today (August 18) by the 14th Criminal Division of the Seoul Northern District Court, prosecutors asked the court to sentence Kim to death.

Kim appeared at today's trial wearing a light green prisoner uniform.

Prior to the trial, the bereaved family met with reporters outside the courtroom, stating, "We hope the court will understand the weight of this case and sentence the atrocious Kim So-young to death."

Nam Eon-ho, an attorney at Law Office Vincent representing the victims, also stated, "Kim So-young is a serial killer who has emerged in an era where serial murders are virtually impossible, and we urge the prosecution to seek the death penalty, the maximum legal punishment."

He also expressed regret over Kim's continued claims of being a victim of sexual crimes by the male victims, calling it humiliating and secondary victimization for the bereaved family, and emphasizing that "the sexual crimes claimed by Kim never existed nor were they revealed during the investigation."

During the trial, Kim claimed that she handed drugged drinks to the male victims to prevent unwanted physical contact.

Kim was indicted and detained in March on charges of handing drinks laced with benzodiazepine to three men in their 20s from mid-December of last year to February of this year, resulting in the deaths of two men and leaving another unconscious.

In April, she was additionally indicted on charges of injuring three other men using a similar method.

(Photo provided by the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors Office, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.