Man in His 50s Fractures Taxi Driver’s Ribs, Threatens to Set Fire at Police Substation After Taking Off His Clothes [True Crime]

[Financial News] At around 7:48 p.m. on December 23 last year, a 52-year-old man surnamed Kim began hurling abuse after getting into a taxi. The driver, a 64-year-old man surnamed Choi, stopped the vehicle on a road in Geumcheon District, Seoul, and called 112. Kim left without paying the fare, and Choi immediately got out and chased him down.
When Choi demanded payment, Kim suddenly began punching him in the face. Even after Choi collapsed to the ground from the impact, Kim continued the assault, kicking him in the back and striking his shoulder with his fists. Choi suffered injuries, including fractured ribs and damage around the eye, that required about four weeks of treatment.
At around 2:17 a.m. on January 5, Kim tried to take a taxi in Geumcheon District but was refused because it was “a reserved vehicle.” He then called 112, claiming that “the taxi driver is manipulating things.” Kim argued with the police officers who arrived at the scene, accusing them of failing to take his side. About 30 minutes later, he went to a nearby police substation while intoxicated and caused a disturbance.
For about 30 minutes, Kim repeatedly took off his shirt and shouted at the officers, saying, “Just wait and see” and “Apologize,” while hurling abuse. Although officers asked him to stop causing a disturbance and present his identification, Kim merely continued taking his shirt on and off and spewing insults.
One officer warned him, “Your actions are being recorded, and you may be arrested in the act on charges including violating the Minor Offenses Act.” Kim nevertheless pushed the officer several times with his shoulder and hands. He then repeatedly made threatening remarks, including, “Do you have the confidence to take responsibility if I set this place on fire?”, “I am taking medication for intermittent explosive disorder,” and “I would rather write a suicide note and die because of you.”
According to legal sources on the 15th, Criminal Division 7 of the Seoul Southern District Court, presided over by Judge Seo Hyo-jin, sentenced Kim to one year in prison and a fine of 500,000 won. He had been indicted on charges of repeat injury under the Act on the Punishment of Violent Acts, violating the Minor Offenses Act, and obstructing official duties.
The court stated, “The defendant has multiple prior convictions for similar offenses, reoffended during a repeat-offense period, and even obstructed the execution of official duties. Because the nature and circumstances of these offenses are not minor, severe punishment is unavoidable.”
However, the court explained its sentencing decision by noting, “Victim Choi reached a settlement with the defendant and does not want him to face criminal punishment,” as well as considering the degree of assault and threats directed at the police officer.
Kim had previously been sentenced to two years and six months in prison in 2017, six months in 2021, and one year and six months in 2023 for aggravated injury and injury. He completed his latest prison term in April 2024.
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