A group that attempted to kidnap and murder a famous YouTuber received heavy sentences at the first trial. Kyunghyang Shinmun file photo

A group that tried to kidnap and murder a well-known gaming YouTuber with about 1 million subscribers received heavy sentences at the first trial.

The Criminal Division 13 of the Incheon District Court (Chief Judge Kim Ki-pung) on the 15th sentenced used-car dealer Mr. A (26), indicted on charges including attempted robbery-murder, to 30 years in prison, and acquaintance Mr. B (24) to 25 years. In addition, Mr. C (37), indicted on charges including aiding and abetting robbery causing injury by lending tools for the crime, was sentenced to 5 years.

The court said “Mr. A thoroughly planned the crime in advance, including the location and the method of disposing of the body, and prepared in both manpower and materials” and “The victim suffered horrific injuries, including a skull fracture and loss of consciousness, to the extent that life was threatened.”

It also pointed out “Mr. A and Mr. B admitted the crime only when objective evidence emerged and attempted false statements; the post-offense circumstances are very bad” and “They have not been forgiven by the victim, and there is no indication that they tried to make amends.”

Regarding Mr. C as well, it said “He facilitated the crime by providing a vehicle and work gloves, among other items; his culpability is very grave.”

At the sentencing hearing in March, prosecutors sought life imprisonment for Mr. A and Mr. B, and 7 years for Mr. C.

Mr. A and Mr. B were indicted on charges of luring gaming YouTuber Mr. D to an apartment underground parking lot in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, at around 10:40 p.m. on October 26 last year, assaulting him more than ten times with a blunt instrument, kidnapping him in a vehicle, and attempting to kill him.

They put Mr. D in the vehicle and drove to a cemetery parking lot in Geumsan County, South Chungcheong Province, about 200 km from Incheon, but were arrested in the act by police who responded to a report in the early hours of the 27th.

Mr. D reportedly suffered serious injuries, including an orbital fracture, after being beaten primarily in the facial area.

According to the prosecution investigation, after Mr. D asked Mr. A to return a deposit for a high-end sport-utility vehicle (SUV), Mr. A planned to take his money and kill him, and then carried out the crime. Mr. C was additionally indicted on suspicion of providing a vehicle, duct tape, and work gloves to Mr. A and others, and of agreeing to receive at least 150 million won if the crime succeeded. Prosecutors also confirmed indications that an initial kidnapping attempt a week before the crime fell through.