A man accused of murdering a fellow Korean during a botched robbery initially made it look like the victim had taken his own life.
Sanghyun Hwang, 31, has denied intending to kill 28-year-old Min Tae Kim at an Algester property, southwest of Brisbane, in December 2013.
Hwang told his Supreme Court trial on Friday that he only planned to rob Mr Kim during their meeting to exchange currency but doubted his method when they bonded during a car ride to the crime scene.
He also noted Mr Kim was taller and bigger than him.
The court heard Hwang lured Mr Kim to the house by saying they would meet a friend who would make an internet bank transfer on his behalf.
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But Mr Kim became angry and pushed Hwang when he realised he was "playing him".
"I thought he was going to hit me so I went behind and grabbed him," Hwang said through an interpreter.
"I kept holding onto him while he struggled to get away."
The court heard the pair fell hard on the kitchen floor but Hwang only unwrapped his arms from Mr Kim's neck when he realised he was unconscious.
"I looked at his face and a lot of blood and foam came out of his mouth," Hwang said.
Hwang said he then heard a car outside and fearing he would be discovered, took string from Mr Kim's pants and wrapped it around his neck.
But when no one came, he cut off Mr Kim's bloodstained clothes and buried his naked body in the backyard.
The court heard Hwang bought a hammer on the day he killed Mr Kim, but claims he only planned to use it to break a padlock on the gate of the Algester property.
The trial continues.
