Jeju police on Thursday publicly identified a 61-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing his former partner after an investigation found he had allegedly stalked and threatened her over an extended period.
The Jeju Provincial Police Agency released the name and photograph of Kang Seong-eun on its website. The disclosure will remain posted until Nov. 30.
Kang was referred to prosecutors in detention this week on charges including retaliatory murder, aggravated attempted abduction and confinement, aggravated trespassing, and preparing to commit arson at an occupied building.
He is accused of attacking the woman, who was in her 40s, at around 1:38 a.m. on Oct. 12 as she returned to her home in Yeon-dong, Jeju City. Police believe he forced her toward his vehicle and stabbed her to death.
Investigators said Kang had allegedly entered the victim’s residence while carrying an incendiary substance. They also suspect he had prepared the crime in advance, placing a weapon and paint thinner near a staircase at the building before waiting for the woman.
Police applied the retaliatory murder charge after determining that the alleged crime was linked to the victim’s decision to end the relationship and disputes involving money.
The investigation further found that Kang had repeatedly demanded to meet the victim after their breakup and, in March, allegedly threatened to distribute recordings of their sexual activity. The victim had reported the threats to police at the time, but the case was closed after she did not appear for questioning or provide further cooperation.
Following the killing, police reopened inquiries into the earlier allegations and added charges of stalking and violations of the law punishing sexual violence crimes.
mkjung@heraldcorp.com
