Man Gets One Year for Threatening Cops with Knives Over Store Card

A 38-year-old man who threatened police officers with a knife has been sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years.

The Seoul Northern District Court recently convicted the defendant of special obstruction of public duty, a crime involving the use of a dangerous weapon, for his actions at his residence in Jungnang District, Seoul, this past March.

The incident began when the defendant became violent after his father refused to give him a membership card for a local store. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, the man blocked the entrance to his home and brandished two knives, one in each hand, to threaten the officers.

In a dangerous escalation, the defendant hurled one knife at an officer while menacing another with the second blade. He reportedly shouted threats, including “I’ll cut your face up” and “If you come in, I’ll kill you.”

While the court recognized the dangerous and malicious nature of the crime, it also took into consideration that the affected police officers did not advocate for severe punishment.