![The suspect in the assault and death of late film director Kim Chang-min is escorted to a courtroom at the Namyangju Branch of Uijeongbu District Court in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, on May 4 for a pretrial detention hearing. [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/09/30/news-p.v1.20260930.3a534ab1cd2c4924a92dfeda530575fd_P1.png)
A man on trial for allegedly assaulting and killing film director Kim Chang-min has been disciplined while in custody for harassing fellow inmates, according to reports.
According to JTBC, Uijeongbu Prison imposed a 30-day solitary confinement penalty on the suspect, identified only by his surname Lee, in July.
The punishment confines an inmate to a single cell and restricts participation in group activities and visitation. It is the most severe disciplinary measure available, and 30 days is the maximum period allowed under current law.
Lee allegedly demanded that a cellmate wash his blanket for him and deliberately struck a cell block door hard enough to damage it.
Legal experts say imposing a full 30-day solitary confinement penalty is highly unusual. Most disciplinary infractions during ordinary prison life result in roughly a week of solitary confinement, sources said.
Uijeongbu Prison also notified the court of the disciplinary action, asking that it be considered during sentencing.
Lee was indicted and detained on charges including assault resulting in death after he allegedly attacked Kim at a restaurant in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, in October last year, while the director was dining with his son, who has a developmental disability.
After the incident, Lee sparked controversy by releasing a hip-hop track titled "Yangachi" under the stage name "Beomin," meaning "criminal."
Lee submitted letters of apology to the court twice earlier this month but has denied the charges at trial, arguing he had no intention of killing Kim.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 8.
bbo@heraldcorp.com
