Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on Wednesday said the country will come up with measures to better protect women and vulnerable citizens from crimes, as the recent stabbing of a female in southern Seoul sparked a public outcry for more security.

"I am saddened by the fact an innocent citizen was killed in a cruel crime," Hwang said, urging prosecutors and police, as well as gender and welfare ministries to come up with plans that can boost public safety.

Last week, a 34-year-old man killed a 23-year-old woman in a karaoke bar's restroom near Gangnam Station, one of Seoul's busiest subway stations. The two had never met prior to the incident, with the culprit testifying that he had always been ignored by women.

The case has sparked a wave of mourning and an intense public debate over violence against women in the country.

The police later concluded that the murder was based on a mental condition and not a hate crime against females.

"The government will come up with measures to ensure the safety of women, including beefing up security in crime-prone areas," Hwang said.

"There must be a special surveillance on some mental patients and drug or alcohol addicts," he said. "Although they may be a minority, we will come up with pre-emptive measures to protect the general public from impulsive crimes."  (Yonhap)