Jung Chang-sung, a 31-year-old Chinese national and university instructor indicted for murdering his romantic partner—a Chinese female exchange student—and mutilating her body, has admitted to all charges in court.

During the first hearing held today before Presiding Judge Chae Hee-in of Criminal Division 13 at the Daegu District Court, the defense counsel for Jung—who is charged with murder, damaging, abandoning, and concealing a corpse, and obstruction of official duties by fraudulent means—stated that they admit to all charges and agree with the evidence submitted by the prosecution.

In a written opinion submitted on October 29, the defense argued that "it was an impulsive murder rather than a premeditated crime, and the crime weapon was not prepared in advance."

They also claimed there is no risk of reoffending, noting that Jung scored 9 points on the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) conducted by investigative authorities, which falls short of the diagnostic threshold of 25 points.

The defense additionally presented factors for leniency, such as the fact that Jung is a first-time offender with no prior criminal record, confessed immediately after his arrest, and cooperated in recovering the body.

Presiding Judge Chae pointed out, "The defense brief details mitigating circumstances regarding sentencing, but there is not a single mention of the most important aspect: the victim," and asked whether an agreement or compensation had been reached with the bereaved family.

The defense replied, "Because the victim's family is in China and we have not been able to reach them, no settlement or compensation has been made," adding, "The shock and damage suffered by the family are so severe that more time is needed."

Judge Chae emphasized efforts toward victim recovery, stating, "While it is important for the defendant to reflect and blame himself, what efforts are being made to restore the damage is also crucial."

The prosecution stated that Jung is currently under police investigation in a separate case involving a violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes regarding another victim, and expressed their intent to indict the cases together if possible.

The court decided to proceed with evidence examination and a pre-sentencing investigation before delivering its ruling, noting that the case is extremely serious and that sentencing considerations are critical.

Jung was indicted on charges of strangling a Chinese female exchange student, surnamed A, to death at his studio apartment in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, around 6:00 a.m. on August 20, after which he mutilated her body and abandoned the remains in multiple locations.

He is also accused of wearing the victim's clothes and traveling to Dongdaegu Station to make it appear as though she had left home, before filing a false missing person report with the police.