The Crime

Kim Sung-jin, a 32-year-old man, has been indicted and detained for murder and attempted murder following a violent incident in northern Seoul. The Seoul Northern District Prosecutors’ office confirmed the indictment Monday.

On april 22, Kim allegedly fatally stabbed a woman in her 60s with a knife he took from a supermarket display. He is also accused of attempting to murder another woman in her 40s.

motive Remains Unclear

Prosecutors state that Kim had no prior connection to either victim and seemingly acted without any discernible reason. He allegedly attacked the women at random and without provocation.

This case is a so-called ‘irrational motive murder,’ which causes unimaginable physical and emotional trauma to the victims and their families.

seoul Northern District Prosecutors’ Office

A Chilling Account

Following the brutal attack, Kim’s actions were described as disturbingly calm. He reportedly walked to a nearby alley, smoked a cigarette, and then contacted the police to confess.

During the call, Kim reportedly asked, Can you trace this location? and admitted, I stabbed two people at the mart.

Before the stabbings, Kim allegedly drank a bottle of soju taken from a shelf inside the supermarket. After the assault, he left the knife between snack items on a display stand outside the store before walking away.

Psychological Assessment

Authorities conducted a thorough investigation, analyzing surveillance footage and consulting with experts to understand Kim’s motives and methods. The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office’s Integrated Psychological Analysis Division and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s profiling team were involved in the assessment.

The analysis led to the conclusion that Kim Sung-jin is a psychopath.

Legal Proceedings

Kim has been handed over to prosecutors and faces serious charges. The prosecutors have vowed to pursue a severe sentence.

We will do our utmost to ensure an appropriately severe sentence is handed down.

Seoul Northern District Prosecutors’ Office

FAQ

• what charges does kim Sung-jin face? he is charged with murder and attempted murder.
• What was Kim’s motive? Prosecutors believe the attacks were random and without specific motive.
• Has Kim been assessed psychologically? Yes, he has been assessed and deemed a psychopath.