House poor man tries to take life of wife, son
A man in his 30s who tried to kill his wife and son and then take his own life due to economic difficulties have been sentenced to a prison term by the court.
The 38-year-old office worker bought an apartment in 2008 when the government was attempting to boost the real estate market with 150 million won ($130,000) in housing loan.
Against better expectations, the value of the apartment kept falling and interest payments increased to levels that he could not afford at his salary. Left without a choice, he had to go to a loan shark.
Pushed to the limit by debt collectors, he decided on Oct. 4 to end things, choosing to kill his wife and son and then take his own life.
Despite repeated assault, his wife begged him to reconsider, saying that they can sell the apartment and settle some of the debt. “We still have a choice. Who is going to take care of our son if I am gone?” she asked.
The man finally let down his weapon but his wife had to get stitches to her head. He was charged with attempted homicide and was sentenced to two years in prison.
His wife appealed to the court, saying that she did not want her husband to be punished by to no avail.
