Re-examining the Gwangju Stepfather Murder Case: A Mother's Plea for Justice

In the latest episode of Wavve's crime psychology commentary series 'Reading the Criminal's Letter' (hereafter 'Reading'), renowned retrial attorney Park Jun-young makes an appearance to discuss the potential for a retrial in the 'Gwangju Stepfather Murder Case.' The episode, airing on the 27th, features letters from Yoo, the biological mother sentenced to 30 years in prison for her involvement in the 2019 murder.

The case, as explained by commentator Pyo Chang-won, involves the murder of a stepdaughter who had accused her stepfather of sexual assault. Yoo, the victim's biological mother and wife of the convicted murderer, was also found guilty of conspiring and participating in the crime. Former 'I Want to Know That' PD Park Kyung-sik adds that Yoo has persistently sent letters claiming her innocence, and fellow inmates have also written to support her, making it a rare case.

In the letters, Yoo questions, "What mother would instruct a man who abused her daughter to kill her?" and insists she never conspired or planned the murder. However, as the letters unfold, Seo Dong-joo expresses confusion, declaring it an 'unprecedented' case of misunderstanding. Pyo Chang-won reveals that investigators concluded Yoo not only conspired but also 'directed' the murder, as detailed in the indictment. The shocking revelations prompt the panel to express outrage, with comments like "What state of mind is this?" and speculations that the mother might have been jealous of her daughter. Seo Dong-joo, daughter of Seo Jung-hee, is moved to tears, pondering the victim's ordeal.

Park Jun-young, known for his expertise in retrials, admits to receiving numerous letters from those claiming wrongful convictions in South Korea. He shares Yoo's letter, adorned with hand-drawn flowers and highlighted with markers, describing it as 'vivid' despite lacking the right words. Seo Dong-joo remarks, "It's not a love letter," in disbelief. Park reveals that after obtaining and thoroughly reviewing the confidential court ruling, he has made a preliminary judgment on the possibility of a retrial.

Is Yoo a heartless mother who killed out of jealousy, or a victim ensnared by her husband's scheme? The conclusions drawn by attorney Park Jun-young and commentator Pyo Chang-won will be unveiled in 'Reading,' airing at 5 PM.

By Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr