Jang Yun-gi murder case: 47,000 sign petition for death penalty

More than 47,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the death penalty for Jang Yun-gi, a 23-year-old accused of murdering a high school student in Gwangju, South Korea.

The victim, 17-year-old Lee Chae-won, was stabbed to death while walking home in Gwangju's Gwangsan District in May. Jang is also accused of attempting to attack a male high school student during the incident. Following the crime, authorities decided to release Jang's personal information for one month to satisfy the public's right to know.

The petition, organized by the victim's family and the Gwangju-Jeonnam Memorial Solidarity, seeks the maximum legal punishment to ensure accountability and prevent future crimes. Participants expressed concerns regarding social safety nets and the fear of recidivism. The petition and signed documents are scheduled to be submitted to the Gwangju District Court ahead of the trial on the 31st.