📌 Case Summary

What Happened

In May 2024, three Korean nationals operating in Thailand kidnapped, murdered, dismembered, and disposed of the body of a Korean tourist in Pattaya.

The group was struggling financially from voice phishing activities and conspired to abduct a Korean tourist to steal money.


Criminal Acts

After killing the victim, they:

Mutilated the body and dumped it in a reservoir.

Used the victim’s mobile phone to withdraw money from his bank account.

Attempted to extort money from the victim’s family by pretending he was still alive.



Sentences (1st & 2nd Trials)

Defendant A → 25 years in prison

Defendant B → Life imprisonment

Defendant C → 30 years in prison

The appeal court described the crimes as extremely brutal, anti-social, and anti-humanitarian.


Key Reasoning from the Appellate Court

Defendant B:

Gave unbelievable excuses, tried to deny responsibility.

Displayed a severe disregard for human life.

Considered at high risk of reoffending—needed permanent removal from society.


Defendant C:

Actively participated at all stages of the crime.

Exhibited clear anti-social tendencies.


Defendant A:

Did not fully acknowledge his role or guilt.



Supreme Court Decision (Dec 4, 2025)

All sentences were upheld (case no. 2025도11835).

The Court found:

No misinterpretation of law regarding intent to kill, causal relationship, or co-conspirator liability.

No violation of evidentiary rules or reasoning.


Result:

Life imprisonment for B,

30 years for C,

25 years for A are now final.


Article: https://www.lawtimes.co.kr/Case-curation/213795