(Cheonan, February 2, 2026) — A man is on trial in South Korea today, accused of murder after a dispute over noise led to the death of his upstairs neighbor. Yang Min-jun, 70, was killed in December after confronting his neighbor about construction noise, according to reports.
The case, which has drawn attention to neighbor disputes and escalating tensions, is set to begin at the Daejeon District Court Cheonan Branch.
- Yang Min-jun, 70, was killed in Cheonan, South Korea, following a dispute with his upstairs neighbor.
- The suspect, identified as Mr. Yang, is facing charges of murder and property destruction.
- The first trial in the case is scheduled to take place this afternoon at the Daejeon District Court Cheonan Branch.
- The incident involved an alleged attack with a weapon, a pursuit, and damage to property.
Mr. Yang allegedly attacked his neighbor with a weapon in December, initially seeking refuge in the building’s management office, Daejeon Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation reported. He then allegedly pursued the victim and damaged the door to his apartment with a vehicle.
Following the incident, Mr. Yang was arrested and charged with murder with a weapon. Court records show the Daejeon District Court Cheonan Branch 1st Criminal Division is handling the case.
Background and Context
While neighbor disputes are common, this case highlights the potential for escalation when tensions are not addressed. South Korea, like many densely populated countries, faces challenges related to noise complaints and maintaining peaceful coexistence in apartment buildings. The case has also raised concerns about the public release of the victim’s personal information, which occurred following the incident.
“A 70-year-old upstairs neighbor was attacked with a weapon because he was noisy,” according to Daejeon Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation.
The trial is expected to draw significant attention from the public and legal observers, as it unfolds in the Daejeon District Court Cheonan Branch.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by Daejeon Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation and added independent analysis and context.
