Jang Yoon-gi faces sentencing for high school student's rape-murder

The Gwangju District Court is scheduled to deliver its first-instance verdict on January 30 regarding Jang Yoon-gi, who is accused of rape-murder. Jang is charged under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes for the murder of a high school student in Gwangju on May 5, after attempting to kidnap her for sexual purposes. During the incident, he also attacked a male student who attempted to intervene.

Prosecutors have sought the death penalty, citing a high risk of recidivism. While Jang admitted to the charges and expressed remorse in his final statement to the court, reports indicate he displayed unrepentant behavior toward fellow inmates, making inappropriate comments regarding the victim.

The case has also drawn scrutiny toward the police investigation. Allegations of a botched or biased investigation have surfaced, involving claims that investigators improperly shared evidence and information with the defendant's father, who is also a police officer. Several officials, including the head of the Gwangsan Police Station, have been referred to the prosecution in connection with these allegations.