Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Robin Hood or fugitive lothario? Shin Chang-won's 907 days of theft, escapes and lovin' on the run.

In 1997, Shin Chang-won escaped from prison in Busan, leading to a lengthy search. His crimes and eventual capture garnered public fascination, resulting in a controversial comparison to Robin Hood and critical police failures.

2026-03-03

A university student murdered his ex's parents in 2014. He became Korea's youngest death row inmate.

Jang Jae-jin, a 25-year-old student, murdered his ex-girlfriend’s parents after a violent breakup. He was sentenced to death for his brutal, premeditated crime, making him the youngest on death row in Korea.

2026-02-03

Eight days of rape, murder and cannibalism: The Chijon Family's hate-filled rampage against the rich

In 1994, Kim Hyo-jin escaped from a gang that kidnapped and murdered her companion. The group, named the Chijon Family, targeted wealthy individuals. Following their arrest, they showed no remorse, and the gang members were sentenced to death.

2026-01-20

'How could a pregnant woman kill a child?' Murder of 8-year-old girl in 1997 shocks Korea.

In 1997, Jeon Hyeon-ju kidnapped and murdered eight-year-old Park Na-ri for ransom. Despite her pregnancy, she was sentenced to life imprisonment after changing her testimony regarding her involvement.

2026-01-06

Living off the grid or murdered? The unsolved disappearance of the Busan newlyweds.

After returning separately to their Busan apartment in May 2016, newlyweds Choi Sung-hee and Jeon Min-geun vanished without a trace. Investigators delved into eerie messages and secrets that came to light after their disappearance, but to no avail.

2025-12-23

A 'bizarre rabbit' sows chaos in Sinjeong-dong serial killing investigation

After 20 years, advancements in DNA technology linked a deceased suspect, Jang, to a double homicide in Seoul from 2005. The case involved two women who were brutally murdered and found wrapped in burlap and a picnic mat.

2025-12-08

Two girls left church to buy Christmas gifts. They never came home.

In 2007, Jeong Seong-hyeon murdered two girls, Woo Ye-seul and Lee Hye-jin, in Anyang. Despite his conviction and death sentence, he remains defiant and contests his guilt while on death row.

2025-11-03

The hunt for a serial killer: 'Korea's Ted Bundy' a rare combo of charm and pure evil

Kang Ho-sun, dubbed 'Korea's Ted Bundy,' murdered eight women from 2006 to 2009, using charm to lure them. He was captured and sentenced to death in 2009, but remains alive due to a moratorium on executions.

2025-10-27

7 Korean true crime cases that will keep you up at night

Take a deeper dive into some of Korea's most haunting true crime cases.

2025-10-07

A contract to kill: How a law student was accused of an affair, stalked and murdered

In the early hours of March 6, 2002, Ha Ji-hye’s father, half asleep, heard his daughter leave the house. That was the last time he ever heard from her.

2025-09-17