Authorities Request a Decade-Long Imprisonment for Assailant of Haru Invest CEO
A South Korean court is set to pronounce a sentence for a man accused of attempted murder on Haru Invest CEO Lee Hyun Soo. The defendant, identified as Kang, allegedly staged an attack in a courtroom last August, aiming for the executive who was on trial for embezzlement.
The embezzlement case involved the misappropriation of approximately $826 million from clients. Kang, who suffered financial losses due to Haru Invest, used a 20 cm knife in the assault.
According to reports, the presiding judge stated that Kang intended to kill the victim and delivered multiple stabs during the court session. However, the defense argues that Kang never inflicted a fatal wound, suggesting he had no intent to kill. Citing his significant financial losses, Kang's lawyers have also requested leniency.
South Korean prosecutors, on the other hand, maintain that the crime was premeditated. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 4.
Haru Invest executives, charged with fraud and related offenses, were arrested in February 2024 but later released on bail. The company had suspended withdrawals in June 2023, citing issues with service partners.
There is limited publicly available case law in South Korea that specifically connects prison sentences for attempted murder to cases involving corporate embezzlement or personal financial loss. However, legal precedent indicates that financial motive can be considered an aggravating factor for attempted murder sentencing. If convicted, Kang may face a prison term ranging from several years to life imprisonment, depending on factors such as premeditation and the severity of the act.
The defense for Kang, the defendant accused of attempting to murder Haru Invest CEO Lee Hyun Soo, has argued for leniency, citing significant financial losses he incurred due to Haru Invest. In South Korea, there is limited case law specifically linking prison sentences for attempted murder to cases involving corporate embezzlement or personal financial loss, but legal precedent suggests that financial motive can be considered an aggravating factor in sentencing for attempted murder.
