(Herald DB)
(Herald DB)

A Busan court on Sunday increased a man's sentence to 30 years in prison for the sexual abuse and murder of his girlfriend after he appealed a lower court's 25-year sentence.

The Busan High Court also ordered the defendant to undergo 40 hours of treatment for sexual violence, while prohibiting him from working at facilities for juveniles or people with disabilities for 10 years after his release. The court also ordered that he be registered as a sex offender for 20 years.

The defendant, in his 30s, was found guilty of causing the February 2024 death of his girlfriend, who lived with him at the time. An argument led to a violent attack by the defendant that inflicted fatal injuries to the victim, who was in her 20s.

The defendant then committed "imitative rape" -- defined by Article 297-2 of the Criminal Act as inserting one's sexual organ or bodily part into another's body by means of violence and threats -- on the severely injured and unconscious victim while filming the process.

He lied to police officers about the argument and his subsequent crime, claiming that he found the victim bleeding when he went up to their home.

The earlier court ruling pointed out that the defendant's actions were "extremely violent." It noted that not only did he neglect the victim when she was injured, he committed an inhumane crime against her unconscious body.

"It is questionable whether (the defendant) is truly remorseful for his actions, as he has sought to avoid responsibility (for the crime)," the court said in its verdict. "He has not made an effort to address the damage caused by his actions, nor has he paid any amount of compensation to the bereaved family (of the victim) or reached a settlement with them."


minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com