'Mia-dong Mart Murder Case' Prosecution Appeals

[Financial News] Kim Seong-jin (33), who wielded a weapon at a mart in Mia-dong, killing one person and injuring another, was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial, prompting the prosecution to appeal.
According to the legal community on the 1st, Kim, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for charges of murder and attempted murder, submitted an appeal to the Northern Seoul District Court on the day of the sentencing, last month on the 19th. The prosecution also submitted an appeal to the court on the 25th of last month, resulting in a mutual appeal.
During the appeal trial, the prosecution and Kim are expected to argue about the unfairness of the sentencing.
The appeal trial is scheduled to be held at the Seoul High Court, but the panel and trial schedule have not yet been determined.
Kim was brought to trial on charges of killing a woman in her 60s, whom he had no acquaintance with, using a displayed weapon at a mart in Mia-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, on April 22nd. He also attempted to kill a female mart employee in her 40s, but stopped the attack when the victim pleaded for her life, resulting in an attempted murder charge.
During the trial, Kim's defense lawyer stated, "He acknowledges all his wrongdoings and regrets them," and "We hope for an appropriate judgment considering all the circumstances and reasons for sentencing."
In the concluding trial held in July, the prosecution sought the death penalty for Kim, stating that it is difficult to expect rehabilitation or recovery of humanity.
The first trial court, which reviewed the case, sentenced him to life imprisonment and ordered a 30-year electronic monitoring device attachment and compliance with related orders.
The court stated, "The death penalty cannot ignore the specificity, severity, and fairness in similar cases as a punishment," and "For convicts sentenced to life imprisonment for committing serious crimes, parole can be restricted or the review process can be made more stringent to completely isolate the defendant from society and deprive them of freedom."jyseo@fnnews.com Seo Ji-yoon Reporter