The bereaved family of the late Lee Hyo-jung, who died due to the Geoje dating violence case, urged for harsh punishment against the perpetrator ahead of the scheduled appellate judgment set for May 21.

On the 12th, a netizen identifying as "Hyo-jung's mother" posted a message in an online community with the title, "My 21-year-old daughter was beaten to death by her ex-boyfriend."

She requested people to sign a petition to inform the public of the horrific truths surrounding the incident and to demand strict punishment without leniency for the perpetrator, ahead of the appellate judgment on May 21.

The family has utilized every possible method to advocate for severe punishment of the perpetrator, achieving a national petition twice, submitting nearly 10,000 petitions, and holding a press conference at the National Assembly.

However, the prosecution stated, "This is a matter agreed upon with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office," and did not change the charges to murder during four court hearings. At the fourth appellate hearing held on the 30th of last month, they sought a 20-year sentence for the charge of injury resulting in death.

The bereaved family's urgent plea and the brutal truth of the incident

The mother pointed out that "the sentence sought is different from the actual verdict," noting that the average sentence for injury resulting in death is only around 5 years. This reflects concerns that the actual sentence may be lower.

She stated, "The only thing I can do to rectify my daughter's injustice is to ensure that the perpetrator receives severe punishment without any leniency."

Furthermore, she implored, "I ask everyone to widely share this event with the sincere hope that this is the last opportunity to seek justice."

On April 1 of last year, the accused, Mr. B, was charged with breaking into the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, Lee Hyo-jung, who was in her twenties, and assaulting the victim while she was sleeping, resulting in her death. The first trial court sentenced Mr. B to 12 years in prison.

Due to Mr. B's assault, Lee Hyo-jung suffered serious injuries, including traumatic subdural hematoma, and died ten days later due to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by head trauma during hospital treatment.

Since starting a relationship with Lee Hyo-jung in 2022, Mr. B had repeatedly committed acts of violence and attempted to contact her 14 times even after they broke up, including visiting her residence.

The National Institute of Scientific Investigation concluded through an initial verbal assessment and detailed examination that it is highly likely that Lee Hyo-jung died due to complications from head injuries.

The prosecution determined that a causal relationship exists between the perpetrator's assault and the victim's death, based on the forensic results and the treating physician's opinions, charging Mr. B with injury resulting in death, stalking (excessive contact), and trespassing.

The appellate verdict for this case is scheduled to be delivered on May 21 at 2 PM.

Image source: News1, dating violence victim Lee Hyo-jung (left) and the perpetrator / JTBC, online community.