Kim Jin (31) and Kang Yo Han (30), both Korean nationals, are scheduled to be tried by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court on 25/8. They face murder charges, with two aggravating circumstances under Clause 1, Article 123 of the Penal Code.

According to the indictment, the incident began around 0:40 on 28/12/2024. Lee Chang Dae, a friend of Kim Jin, along with three compatriots, visited a restaurant on Tran Hung Dao Street, District 1 (now Cau Ong Lanh Ward) to drink and sing karaoke. At the same time, Kim Jin and Kang Yo Han were drinking at Bui Vien walking street.

Around 2:30, Lee Chang Dae accidentally damaged an LED screen in the karaoke room. Restaurant staff demanded compensation, which led to an argument. During the confrontation, a member of the customer group allegedly slapped and hit the heads of the service staff.

Restaurant where the incident occurred. Photo: *Yonhap*

The staff then informed the restaurant owner, Mr. Lee, and the male manager, both Korean. They went to the room to discuss the matter with the group of compatriots, which quickly escalated into a physical altercation. Prosecutors determined that the restaurant owner had demanded three members of the customer group kneel on the floor. As the two sides fought, the restaurant manager called the ward police.

A friend from Lee Chang Dae's group subsequently called Kim Jin to inform him that Lee Chang Dae was being assaulted. Kim Jin then invited Kang Yo Han to join him at the restaurant. Simultaneously, a patrol team, comprising local police and grassroots security personnel, arrived and stood outside the karaoke room door.

Upon their arrival, Kim Jin snatched a rubber baton from a patrol team member. He and Kang Yo Han then rushed into the room, closing the door behind them. Inside, Kim Jin and Kang Yo Han immediately attacked the restaurant owner and the manager.

Kim Jin is accused of using a metal laughing gas cylinder, which was readily available in the room, to strike the restaurant owner's head. The blow caused the owner to collapse to the floor. By the time the police team managed to force the door open and enter, the victim had died.

The male manager was rushed to the emergency room. He survived the attack but sustained severe injuries, resulting in 87% disability.

The legal representative of the deceased Mr. Lee is reportedly seeking over 5,2 billion dong in compensation. The injured manager has also requested over 3,1 billion dong for his damages.

To mitigate the consequences, the families of Kim Jin and Kang Yo Han have paid 400 million dong and 120 million dong, respectively, as restitution.

Binh Nguyen