Case Summary

Incident Overview:
A 50-year-old man, referred to as A, attacked the CEO (B) of digital asset firm Haru Invest with a knife inside a courtroom during B’s trial.

Background:

A had invested his digital assets in Haru Invest after seeing advertisements promising “risk-free returns and principal protection.”

In June 2023, Haru Invest froze withdrawals and shut down operations.

The CEO, B, was later indicted for large-scale fraud involving ₩1.4 trillion (≈USD 1 billion) and 16,000 victims.

A personally lost about ₩6.3 billion (≈USD 4.5 million).


Attack in Court:

The attack occurred during B’s trial in August 2024.

A brought a kitchen knife and gloves into the courtroom and stabbed B in the neck.

He claimed he had no intent to kill and was mentally unstable due to severe financial loss.


Lower Court (1st & 2nd Instance):

1st trial: Sentenced A to 5 years in prison for attempted murder and courtroom disturbance.

The court noted A’s premeditation, the use of a deadly weapon, and the targeting of a vital area.

A psychiatric evaluation found no mental disorder that reduced responsibility.


2nd trial (appeal): Upheld the same sentence, stating that personal vengeance cannot justify violence even in cases of major financial loss.


Supreme Court (Final Judgment):

On October 16, 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed A’s appeal, confirming the 5-year sentence.

It ruled that there was no error in law and that sentencing appeals are not permitted unless the penalty is death, life imprisonment, or 10+ years in prison.

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Key Legal Takeaways

Even extreme financial victimization does not mitigate violent retribution.

Premeditation (bringing a weapon, selecting seat near victim) strongly supports the presence of intent to kill.

The Supreme Court’s scope of review in criminal sentencing is limited to serious cases (10+ years or life/death).

Article: https://www.lawtimes.co.kr/Case-curation/212905