SEOUL: The Seoul Central Court has sentenced Cho Seon to life in prison for a stabbing rampage that occurred in July last year. The court characterized the attack as “extremely brutal” and noted its impact, leading to “copycat crimes nationwide.” Cho Seon, aged 34, stabbed one person multiple times near a subway station, resulting in a wave of horror among eyewitnesses. Despite prosecutors seeking the death penalty, the court opted for a life sentence.
The random attack had profound consequences, prompting a nationwide response to ensure public safety. The court emphasized the need to “deprive the defendant of civic rights and freedom” to maintain social safety, resulting in an indefinite isolation from society. Just two weeks after this incident, another mass stabbing occurred in Seoul, involving a man driving into a pedestrian walkway and attacking people at a department store, leading to two deaths.
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The court’s decision reflects a strong stance against the severity of the crimes committed by Cho Seon and their impact on public safety. It aims to deter potential copycat crimes and protect the community from such acts of violence. While South Korea is generally considered a safe country with a low murder rate, the series of violent incidents, including assaults on politicians in public spaces, has raised concerns about public safety.
President Yoon Suk Yeol called for mobilizing all possible forces in response to these incidents, and police declared their readiness to use firearms if necessary. The sentencing of Cho Seon to life in prison underscores the gravity of the crimes committed during the stabbing rampage and serves as a measure to ensure the protection of society from further harm.
