Man Faces 10-Year Sentence for Stabbing Crypto CEO in South Korean Court
A South Korean man faces a potential 10-year prison sentence after a violent incident unfolded in a courtroom during a fraud trial involving cryptocurrency. The accused, identified as Mr. Kang, is charged with attempted murder and disrupting proceedings after he violently stabbed Mr. Lee Hyung-soo, CEO of Haru Invest, during the trial that sought to address allegations of significant financial fraud.
The Courtroom Attack
The attack took place on August 28, 2024, in courtroom 306 of the Seoul Southern District Court. Reports suggest that Mr. Kang, a regular customer of Haru Invest, acted in a moment of rage after losing 100 BTC in the firm’s investment schemes. Eyewitnesses describe a chaotic scene as Kang approached Lee and stabbed him multiple times in the neck. The CEO was on trial for allegedly defrauding around 16,000 investors, resulting in losses of approximately $826 million.
During the final hearing held on March 19, prosecutors made a strong case for the severity of the crime, labeling the attack as premeditated and evil in its execution, thereby justifying a lengthier sentence. The prosecution highlighted the risks posed to all present in the courtroom during the incident.
Defense Arguments
In response, Kang’s defense team acknowledged the act of stabbing but argued that it was not intended as an attempt to kill. They characterized the attack as impulsive and driven by the emotional turmoil stemming from financial losses. The defense further argued that, due to the lack of premeditation, the charges should be downgraded to special assault rather than attempted murder.
Interestingly, Lee Hyung-soo, the victim, advocated for leniency towards Kang, empathizing with the emotional distress that led to the violent act. Nonetheless, a psychiatric evaluation presented during the proceedings indicated that Kang was stable and fully aware during the attack, countering the defense’s claims of psychological instability.
Sentencing Developments
Kang’s legal counsel has also requested that the court dismiss his arrest, claiming that his time in detention should count against a six-month limit stipulated in Article 172 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The court is expected to announce its decisions regarding this request in conjunction with the sentencing, which is scheduled for April 4.
In an emotional final statement, Kang expressed his deep remorse for the incident, stating, “I deeply reflect and regret that this act occurred in a place where it should not have happened, and I am truly sorry.”
The case has highlighted the extreme pressures and emotional distress connected to cryptocurrency investments, particularly in South Korea, where the crypto market has seen both rapid growth and significant scandal. A related incident earlier in the month involved a Chinese man who was fatally stabbed during a crypto transaction in a luxury hotel, further underscoring the volatile environment surrounding digital currency dealings.
For further details on this case, you can read the original reports here.
