YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Mr. Kang may receive a 10-year prison sentence for stabbing Haru Invest’s CEO Lee Hyung-soo in a Seoul courtroom. The attack happened on August 28, 2024, inside courtroom 306 at the Seoul Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu.
Kang, a customer of Haru Invest, reportedly lost 100 BTC and attacked the crypto CEO during an active trial. He stabbed Lee in the neck several times. The prosecution described the attack as severe and deliberate, calling for a 10-year sentence on charges of attempted murder and disrupting court proceedings.
On March 19, during the final hearing, prosecutors argued that the crime disrupted a public trial and showed extreme violence.
Crypto Attack in Court Tied to $826 Million Fraud Case
Lee Hyung-soo, the crypto CEO, was already on trial for allegedly defrauding 16,000 investors through Haru Invest. The reported total loss reached about $826 million.
Kang was one of the users who claimed major losses. According to his lawyer, Kang acted out of emotional stress and financial pressure after losing 100 BTC.
His defense team admitted he stabbed Lee but said it should be viewed as special assault, not attempted murder. They said the attack was not planned and claimed Kang acted on impulse.
Mental State of Attacker Examined in Crypto Attack South Korea
The court reviewed a report from the National Forensic Hospital. It said Kang was mentally fit and understood his actions during the attack.
This evaluation weakened the defense’s claim that Kang had no control over his actions due to emotional strain. The court noted that he was not in a state of mental weakness or unconsciousness.
Despite this, Lee, the crypto CEO, requested the court show leniency to Kang, citing the emotional toll caused by the crypto losses.
Final Statement Before Sentencing in Stabbing in Court Case
Kang spoke during the final session. He said,
“I deeply reflect and regret that this act occurred in a place where it should not have happened, and I am truly sorry.”
His legal team also asked the court to cancel his arrest. They cited Article 172 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which limits detention to six months. They argued his time already spent in custody should count toward this limit.
The final sentencing for the crypto attack South Korea case is scheduled for April 4, 2025. The court will also decide whether to cancel the arrest based on time served.
Earlier in March, another stabbing in South Korea involved a crypto transaction. A Chinese man died after being stabbed multiple times during a deal worth 85 million won. The incident took place in a luxury hotel and ended in robbery.
Police are treating this case separately. However, both incidents reflect the risks linked to unresolved crypto disputes in South Korea.
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