South Korea | Prosecutors seek death penalty for man who killed 5 family members

Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Man Accused of Killing Five Family Members Over Business Failures

Prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for a 50-year-old man accused of killing five members of his family—including his elderly parents, wife, and two daughters—allegedly due to financial distress stemming from business failures.

During a hearing held on the 22nd at Suwon District Court’s Criminal Division 13, presided over by Chief Judge Jang Seok-joon, prosecutors requested capital punishment for the suspect, identified by his surname Lee. He faces charges including multiple counts of murder and violations of the Narcotics Control Act.

“The defendant intentionally killed five members of his family, claiming he did not want to burden them with financial hardship after his business collapsed,” prosecutors stated. “The crime is exceptionally grave and morally reprehensible.”

They further noted that Lee carried out the killings despite resistance from some of the victims. “This was an inhumane and anti-social act. The extent of the damage is severe, making it difficult to compare with other family-related homicides,” the prosecution added.

The investigation also revealed that Lee’s eldest daughter, who was studying abroad, had returned to Korea briefly when she was killed. His younger daughter was reportedly a first-year university student.

In his final statement, Lee expressed remorse. “I am the murderer of the precious family members I was supposed to protect,” he said. “Please impose the harshest punishment, including the death penalty. I will accept it. I will live the rest of my life in repentance.”

Lee is accused of strangling his parents, both in their 80s, his wife in her 50s, and their two daughters at the family home in Suji-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, around 8 p.m. on April 14. According to investigators, he laced yogurt with powdered psychotropic drugs—such as zolpidem and lorazepam—before committing the murders.

A former head of a housing construction company, Lee was reportedly under significant financial pressure, facing debts amounting to billions of won due to failed apartment construction projects in Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 28.

Source: mk.co.kr, Staff, July 22, 2025

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