#### Admitting to Killing a Pedestrian Teen but Denying Planned Subsequent Crimes Targeting Random Small Business Owners
(Suncheon=Yonhap News) Reporters Jeong Hoi-seong and Jeong Da-eum – Park Dae-sung, a 30-year-old “random murderer” who brutally killed an unfamiliar teenager and attempted subsequent crimes, claimed during his first trial that he “does not remember” certain charges.
On the 5th, the Suncheon Branch of the Gwangju District Court’s Criminal Division 1 (Presiding Judge Kim Yong-kyu) held the first trial for Park Dae-sung, who has been arrested and indicted on charges of murder and preparation for murder.
During the prosecution’s presentation of the charges, it was explained that “Park Dae-sung decided to kill the victim walking down the street. He moved 800 meters, confirmed there were no people around, and stabbed the victim with a weapon, attacking multiple times as the victim resisted.”
Additionally, the prosecution stated that “after fleeing barefoot, Park Dae-sung searched for another easy target who was alone and could easily be overpowered, concealing a kitchen knife in a T-shirt.”
The prosecution further revealed that at a bar he first visited, Park Dae-sung ran away when the owner noticed his barefoot state suspiciously. In a subsequent karaoke venue, he requested a server and tried to commit a crime by asking them to close the door, although he fled again when the owner was frightened by his tattoos and left.
On October 31, Park Dae-sung submitted a written opinion to the court, parts of which were disclosed in the courtroom that day, denying some of the charges.
In his statement, Park Dae-sung claimed, “I admit to the murder but am not aware of the second crime intended for murder. I have no memory of it. Each person has their own way of thinking.”
He added, “I will organize my thoughts and present my statements after consulting with my attorney at the next trial date.”
Appearing in court with his face covered by a mask, Park Dae-sung kept his head lowered and responded briefly, with just a “yes,” to the judge’s questions.
His eyes, visible through his long bangs, remained unfocused throughout.
The victim’s family and friends submitted a petition to the court seeking “strict punishment to ensure justice. Considering the risk of reoffending, Park Dae-sung should be permanently isolated.”
Park Dae-sung’s next trial is scheduled for the afternoon of the 26th.
On September 26 at 12:44 a.m., Park Dae-sung was arrested and brought to trial on charges of fatally stabbing an 18-year-old woman walking in the Joho-dong area of Suncheon City and then searching for additional murder targets.
The prosecution assessed that Park Dae-sung, burdened by economic difficulties, family discord, and feelings of alienation, killed an unfamiliar victim to release his personal grievances.
His personal information and mugshot were published during the police investigation stage, considering the brutality of his crimes, the public’s right to know, and the severity of the damage.