Jang Yun-gi High School Student Murder Case: Prosecutors Seek the Death Penalty; First-Trial Verdict Scheduled for Sept.

Prosecutors sought the death penalty on August 31 at the fourth hearing of defendant Jang Yun-gi before the Criminal Division 13 of the Gwangju District Court. This request reflects the prosecution’s position and does not mean that the court has issued or finalized a sentence. The first-trial verdict hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. on September 30.

Prosecutors sought the death penalty on August 31, 2026, at the fourth hearing of defendant Jang Yun-gi before the Criminal Division 13 of the Gwangju District Court. The key development in this trial is that the prosecution has made its sentencing request.

Key Development

The Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office sought the death penalty for defendant Jang Yun-gi. Yonhap News reported that prosecutors cited a high risk of reoffending, including murder and sexual assault, if Jang Yun-gi were to return to society.

Reports also said that Jang Yun-gi was indicted in custody on charges related to the murder of a high school student, attempted murder, and multiple sex crimes.

A request for the death penalty represents the prosecution’s position; it does not mean that the court has issued or finalized the sentence.

Current Status

The currently confirmed fact is that the prosecution made its sentencing request at the fourth hearing. The claims regarding the risk of reoffending were reported as the prosecution’s stated reason for seeking the sentence.

Yonhap News reported that Jang Yun-gi apologized to the victim in his final statement and said, in substance, that he would accept responsibility for his crimes for the rest of his life.

Impact

Following the sentencing request, attention has turned to the sentence sought by prosecutors and the court’s first-trial decision. However, a sentencing request and a verdict are separate procedures, so the death penalty cannot be considered final at this stage.

To protect the victim and prevent secondary harm, this article does not include identifying information about the victim or specific details of the crime.

Next Checkpoint

The first-trial verdict hearing for Jang Yun-gi is reportedly scheduled for 2 p.m. on September 30, 2026. The date may change depending on the court schedule, so it should be reconfirmed before the verdict hearing.

Sources: [Yonhap News](https://www.yna.co.kr/amp/view/AKR20260831163800054), [Newsis](https://mobile.newsis.com/view/NISX20260831_0003770292), [YTN](https://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0115_202608311447104647) · Checked: August 31, 2026, 10:35 a.m. (UTC-based research-material verification time)