Gangnam murderer gets 30 years in prison

By Kim Rahn

A local court has handed down a 30-year prison sentence to a man who randomly killed a woman at a restroom in a building near Gangnam Station, southern Seoul.

The Seoul Central District Court sentenced the murderer, surnamed Kim, 34, Friday, saying his crime targeted the whole of society and spread fear among the public.

Prosecutors had earlier sought a life sentence.

“He took the life of a woman who had nothing to do with him, making light of human life,” the court said, adding that Kim does not regret his crime even now.

“The victim, who was a lovable daughter, sister and friend, was killed unexpectedly at a young age. And the bereaved family members cannot live a normal life from the shock,” it said.

But the court said it set the sentence at 30 years, not life imprisonment, considering he suffers from schizophrenia. Kim has been treated, and often been hospitalized, for schizophrenia since 2009.

“A mental examination showed that Kim is afraid of men, rather than denigrating women. Because of this, it seems Kim targeted women who are relatively weak compared to men.”

The court also ordered him to wear a location-tracking electronic anklet for 20 years after he is released from prison and undergo mental therapy.

On May 17, Kim stabbed to death the victim, 23, in a public unisex restroom. He had never met her before. After his arrest, Kim told police that he committed the crime because he “had often been looked down upon by women.”

Following the crime, debates have risen over misogyny. People also posted thousands of notes of condolence on the wall at the exit of the subway station.