[Anchor]

Jang Yun-gi has admitted in court to murdering a high school girl with the intent of committing sexual assault. He changed his stance after strong evidence was uncovered during the prosecution's investigation. The potential sentence is either the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Reporter Im Jihyeon has the story.

[Reporter]

The second trial for the high school girl murder case was held at the Gwangju District Court.

The core issue of this trial was whether Jang Yun-gi would admit that the crime was committed with the intent of sexual assault.

As the trial began, Jang's defense attorney stated that they admit to all charges in the indictment filed by the prosecution, which includes rape and murder.

When asked by the court if he agreed with his attorney's statement, Jang replied briefly, "Yes."

This marks the first time Jang has admitted to the rape and murder charges since the crime occurred in May.

Previously, Jang had submitted a handwritten statement to the court claiming his innocence while denying that the crime was intended for sexual assault, and he had deferred expressing his position on the charges during the first trial held on June 22.

However, during the supplementary investigation, the prosecution enhanced the quality of dashcam footage from the time of the crime, identifying a scene where Jang, who had left the rear door of his vehicle open, was seen subduing the late Lee Chae-won and attempting to drag her into the car.

After the first trial, Jang viewed this footage with his attorney and subsequently admitted to the motive for the crime.

During the trial yesterday (July 13), the prosecution submitted additional evidence, including forensic footage of Jang's vehicle—which the police had sent late despite the discovery of cable ties—and a forensic report regarding a damaged sex doll.

The bereaved family held a press conference just before the trial to demand a stern punishment.

[Mother of the late Lee Chae-won: Please impose the heaviest penalty the law can give to that devil-like person, which is the death penalty, the maximum legal sentence.]

The family also criticized Jang for showing no genuine remorse, citing the contents of a letter of apology he submitted to the court, in which he wrote that he "harmed the victim without thinking of the consequences, affecting countless people and stealing a piece of their daily lives."

[Kim Mun-seok / Legal representative for the family of the late Lee Chae-won: It appears he intended to lower his sentencing by claiming he 'reflected sincerely,' but we believe he chose that method in a typical, strategic manner....]

The third trial is scheduled for July 27, where witness examinations for the bereaved family and acquaintances of Jang are expected to take place.

(Video reporting: Ju Yong-jin, Video editing: Park Ji-in, Design: Kim Han-gil & Kim Min-young)