In a case that has gripped public attention for over three years, Park Jung-hyun, a former editor at Kodansha, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for the murder of his wife. The Tokyo District Court delivered the sentence on Wednesday, concluding a trial that has been the subject of significant media scrutiny and widespread public debate.
Park Jung-hyun, who played a critical role behind the success of the globally renowned manga series “Attack on Titan,” was found guilty of strangling his 38-year-old wife, Kanako, at their residence in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward in the early hours of August 9, 2016. The court’s judgment came despite Park’s consistent claims of innocence and his defense team’s argument that Kanako had committed suicide.
“He acted with strong intent to kill her,” the court stated, rejecting Park’s narrative and defense claims. The court found the argument that Kanako had hanged herself with Park’s jacket to be implausible, dismissing it as “unrealistic.” The prosecution, which initially sought a 15-year prison term, argued that Park’s actions were premeditated and motivated by malice.
The tragic incident was brought to light when police responded to an emergency call early on the morning of August 9. Upon arrival, they discovered Kanako lying face-up at the base of a staircase in the couple’s home. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead approximately one hour later at a nearby hospital. An autopsy revealed that suffocation caused by pressure applied around her neck was the cause of death.
Throughout the investigation and trial, Park’s account of events changed. Initially, he told police that his wife had fallen down the stairs. Later, he altered his story, claiming she had taken her own life.
. The defense argued that Park had modified his narrative to shield their children from the stigma associated with suicide, but this assertion failed to hold up under judicial scrutiny.
The court, led by the presiding judge, dismissed the suicide claim, describing Park’s crime as particularly “malicious.” The judge emphasized that the evidence pointed unequivocally to a deliberate act of murder rather than a tragic accident or suicide.
Park’s career at Kodansha began in 1999, and he subsequently became the editor for “Attack on Titan” when it launched in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine in 2009. The series, created by Hajime Isayama, skyrocketed to global fame, becoming one of the most influential and best-selling manga series of all time. Known for its gripping narrative and complex characters, “Attack on Titan” captivated a worldwide audience.
“Attack on Titan” tells the story of Eren Yeager and his fight against enormous, man-eating giants in a dystopian world. The manga concluded its serialization in April 2021, celebrated for its profound impact on both the manga and anime industries. By the end of its run, the series had sold over 140 million copies across the globe. The anime adaptation, which closely followed the manga’s storyline, concluded in November 2023, further solidifying the series’ legacy.
The case against Park Jung-hyun has not only attracted attention due to his association with a major cultural phenomenon but also due to the broader issues it raises about domestic violence and public perceptions of crime and punishment. The court’s verdict and the sentence have sparked various reactions from the public, with many expressing relief that justice has been served, while others continue to question the events that led to Kanako’s tragic death.
As the defense prepares to potentially appeal the court’s decision, the case remains a poignant example of how personal tragedy can intersect with public life, reverberating through both the media and societal consciousness.
