Baek Seung-tae, who wielded a weapon at acquaintances inside a karaoke lounge in Cheongju, killing one and seriously injuring another, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison.

The 22nd Criminal Division of the Cheongju District Court sentenced Baek Seung-tae (60), who was indicted and detained on murder charges and faced a life sentence recommendation by prosecutors, to 23 years in prison today (the 22nd).

Presiding Judge Han Sang-won stated that although the defendant claimed he was in a state of diminished mental capacity, considering the conversations he had with the victims and his actions at the time, it is difficult to view him as having been in a state of diminished mental capacity.

The court added that the defendant swung a weapon at the victims without any reason and has not been forgiven by the victims or the bereaved families.

However, the court noted that the fact the crime appeared to be committed impulsively while the defendant was under the influence of alcohol and medication was taken into account as a favorable mitigating factor.

Baek Seung-tae was brought to trial on charges of using a weapon at a karaoke lounge in Cheongju between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM on May 9 to kill victim B and inflict serious injuries on victim C.

The victims, who were regular customers at the karaoke lounge along with Baek, were drinking that day with the consideration of the establishment owner and were attacked by Baek while sleeping in separate rooms.

Investigations showed that he suffered from a mental illness and expressed frustrations stemming from dissatisfaction with family relationships and economic hardship through attacks on the victims.

(Photo provided by Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency, Yonhap News)