Prosecutors have demanded a three-year prison sentence for a Korean man who poured boiling water on his Thai wife's face, causing severe burns.
At the final hearing held on the 10th at the Uijeongbu District Court's Criminal Division 12 (Judge Kim Jun-young), prosecutors requested the sentence for the man in his 40s, identified only as "A," who was indicted on charges of aggravated assault.
The defendant's attorney acknowledged all charges and expressed remorse. "He recognizes the gravity of this case and made efforts to provide first aid immediately after the incident," the lawyer said. "He will bear all medical expenses."
The defense added that while A initially denied the charges out of fear, he has since admitted wrongdoing and submitted multiple letters of apology. The attorney also noted that A's wife has petitioned for leniency and does not seek punishment, and requested the court consider his responsibility to support his ailing father and son.
In his final statement, A tearfully said, "I am sorry. I hurt my beloved wife. This is all my fault. I am grateful to my wife for extending a warm hand to such a bad husband. I want to be with my father in his final days."
The judge rebuked the defendant, asking, "How would you feel if someone boiled water and poured it on your face while you were sleeping?"
Sentencing is scheduled for the 7th of next month.
A was arrested and indicted for pouring boiling water from an electric kettle onto his wife B, a Thai woman in her 30s, at their home in Uijeongbu on December 3 last year. She suffered second-degree burns.
The victim was transferred to a burn treatment hospital in Seoul, where medical staff suspected assault and reported the case to police. Authorities issued protective orders including a no-contact order and separation measures.
During the investigation, A claimed he "accidentally spilled the boiling water while falling," but admitted to all charges at the trial.
The case gained international attention after B shared her injuries through a Thai Facebook group shortly after the incident, drawing coverage from Thai media. Thai Ambassador to Korea Tanee Sangrat visited B at the hospital with consular staff to offer support and pledged continued assistance with hospital coordination, police communication, and interpretation services.
