A court has dismissed an appeal filed by the victim of the so-called "Busan roundhouse kick" incident, who sought to overturn a decision allowing the perpetrator to use 100,000 won ($70) in prison deposits each month during incarceration.

According to legal circles today (October 22), the 9-2 Civil Division of the Busan District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Dong-hyun) dismissed the appeal filed by the victim against the perpetrator, surnamed Lee, in a case regarding a change to the scope of claims exempt from seizure.

Previously, the Western Branch of the Busan District Court issued a decision on June 11 allowing Lee to use prison deposits of up to 100,000 won per month while serving time.

The victim argued that because Lee receives food, shelter, and medical services while serving a prison sentence, the deposits cannot be viewed as essential funds for living expenses.

The victim also appealed that the first-instance decision was unfair, citing a lack of specific explanation regarding Lee's living necessities and the fact that the majority of the damage compensation claim has not been recovered.

However, the appellate court ruled that there were no errors in the initial decision.

The court stated, "The first-instance court made its decision by considering overall circumstances appearing in the case records, including the written statements submitted by the opposing party, the inmate's medical records, custody fund ledgers, and medical bill statements, alongside Lee's living conditions, the amount and intended use of the custody funds, and other various factors," adding, "Such a decision is deemed justified."

Previously, the victim won a damages lawsuit against the perpetrator and moved to seize the prison deposits to collect the compensation.

However, as the perpetrator applied for a change in the scope of seizure exemption citing living and medical expenses, legal disputes over the use of the prison deposits ensued.

Lee is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence finalized for following a woman walking home in Busanjin-gu, Busan, in May 2022 and brutally assaulting her in the so-called Busan roundhouse kick case.