Prosecutors seek death penalty for singer-YouTuber accused of beating, abandoning teen daughter to death

Prosecutors have sought the death penalty for a singer and YouTuber in his 40s who stood trial on charges of beating and abandoning his teenage daughter, leading to her death.

The first criminal division of the Changwon District Court's Jinju branch, presided over by Judge Lee Seung-il, held closing arguments Thursday in the case. The defendant, identified only as A, was detained and indicted on murder and other charges. Prosecutors demanded the maximum sentence under law: death, according to a Yonhap report Friday.

However, A's side denied the murder charge.

"The defendant, gripped by the delusion that his daughter had humiliated him socially, struck her repeatedly with an object and poured water on the top of her head, causing burns," prosecutors said. "He showed no remorse and denied the crime, and given his history of assaulting a spouse in the past, the risk of reoffending is high."

"Permanent separation from society is necessary," prosecutors said, explaining the reasoning behind their sentencing request.

In response, A's defense counsel argued that it was tragic A delayed taking his daughter to the hospital, resulting in her death. However, the counsel said he had no intent to kill her and appealed for leniency.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 8.

Meanwhile, A was detained and indicted last October.

A was accused of beating his daughter to death at a residence in Namhae-gun last September.

An investigation found that A had beaten his daughter and poured water on her, causing burns and other injuries, Yonhap reported at the time.

Prosecutors determined that A then left his daughter, who was in pain, in his vehicle for more than two days without seeking treatment, leading to her death.

A's crime came to light when his daughter was taken to the hospital. At the time, A brought his daughter to the emergency room of a hospital in Namhae-gun. Medical staff, upon seeing the wounds on her body, suspected foul play and reported it to police.