Why Did a Son Face Jail Time for Threatening His 82-Year-Old Mother? Shocking Court Ruling Explained

A man who repeatedly threatened and assaulted his mother has been sentenced to prison in the first trial. The assault charge was dropped from the guilty verdict as the victim, his mother, did not wish to pursue punishment for her son.

Judge Kim Joo-wan of the Seoul Southern District Court recently sentenced Seo, 54, to eight months in prison and mandated 80 hours of domestic violence treatment for charges including violence against a family member and special threats. The court dismissed the assault charge, which falls under the category of crimes that cannot be prosecuted without the victim’s consent.

Seo allegedly threatened his 82-year-old mother on August 12 last year around 9:20 AM in an apartment in Seoul’s Gangseo District. When his mother became upset, Seo reportedly pulled the gas valve line from the kitchen wall, causing the stove to fall, and shouted while brandishing a lighter, “I’ll burn this place down.” He also faces charges for violating a temporary court order prohibiting contact with the victim.

During the incident, Seo allegedly threw his cellphone at his mother, who was sitting on the floor, after she told him to “be quiet.” However, this assault charge was dismissed after his mother stated she did not wish to press charges.

Court records show that Seo had previously threatened the victim with kitchen scissors and a utility knife in December 2021, resulting in a 10-month suspended sentence with two years of probation. He also has a history of other violent crimes, including obstruction of business and interference with official duties, for which he served prison time.

The court noted, “The defendant’s methods of aggression against the victim are becoming increasingly dangerous, and the risk of recidivism appears to be significantly high.”

The judge further explained, “Although the victim has repeatedly forgiven the defendant and pleaded for leniency, considering the defendant’s violent tendencies and his failure to comply with the court’s protective order, a prison sentence is unavoidable.”