A man who was put on trial for assaulting a person who bullied him during elementary school has received a suspended prison sentence.

In June 2024, the defendant, identified as A, encountered B, his former school bully, while B was smoking on a street in Songpa-gu, Seoul.

Overcome by trauma, A assaulted B, leaving the victim with injuries including a concussion and a fracture around the eye.

A was indicted on charges of assault causing injury and was sentenced to six months in prison in October 2024.

It was reported that after the incident, A suffered from guilt and symptoms of bipolar disorder, leading him to attempt to take his own life.

A is currently undergoing psychiatric treatment and working as a cleaning service worker at a lodging facility.

Both A and the prosecution appealed the first-instance ruling, and the appellate court decided to grant leniency.

On May 21, the 1-3 Criminal Division of the Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced A to six months in prison, suspended for two years.

The appellate court stated the reason for the sentencing, saying, "A encountered B by chance and, overwhelmed by painful memories of being bullied in elementary school, lost control of his emotions and committed the assault," adding that "he is deeply reflecting on and repenting for his wrongdoing."

The court further explained that A had "deposited 4 million won during the first trial and an additional 4 million won during the second trial" as compensation for B.

Although B petitioned for a strict punishment during the appellate process, claiming that "the total amount of the deposits does not cover the medical expenses," the appellate court noted, "We must consider that A is from a single-parent household and his mother is a recipient of basic livelihood security benefits."

The court added that A "is currently receiving psychiatric treatment and is committed to working as a cleaning service worker to compensate B for the damages," explaining the reasons for the reduced sentence.

As neither A nor the prosecution appealed the second-instance ruling, the sentence has been finalized.

Reported by Lee Ho-geon | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News