Korean murder trial reveals suspect dated two women
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The first hearing has been held at the Daegu District Court in the case against 31-year-old Chinese university lecturer Zheng Changsheng (鄭昌盛), who is accused of killing and dismembering a 25-year-old Chinese graduate student identified as Wenwen. Prosecutors allege he had been dating the victim while also maintaining a relationship with another female international student, concealing each woman from the other. The prosecution says he feared that disclosure of his relationships with female students could damage his position after he had already been warned over his conduct. His defence lawyer said the case files had not yet been fully reviewed and reserved a detailed response for the next hearing.
Key Points
- The Daegu District Court's Criminal Division 13 heard charges of murder, corpse damage, corpse abandonment, corpse concealment and obstruction of official duties by deception.
- During the hearing, Zheng appeared in a light khaki prison uniform with a mask and glasses, and at times removed and replaced his glasses with reddened eyes.
- When asked by presiding judge Chae Hee-in (蔡熙仁) whether he could communicate in Korean, Zheng said basic exchanges were possible but complex content was difficult.
- Prosecutors said Zheng had approached or harassed multiple female international students, prompting reports to the university and warnings from other professors.
- According to the prosecution account, an argument broke out in his apartment in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan, on August 20, after the victim said she would expose the relationship at graduation.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers with family members studying overseas, the case underscores the risks that can arise in unequal relationships between teaching staff and international students. It also draws attention to how alleged misconduct warnings inside universities may become a critical issue once a serious criminal case reaches court.