Tag: korean crime files

korean crime files

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Misadventure or murder? Death of a Korean hip-hop icon 30 years ago remains a mystery.

Kim Sung-jae's solo career ended just one day after his debut, leaving behind one of Korea's most puzzling unsolved deaths.

2026.6.11

From left: Cho Hee-pal speaks at a seminar in 2008; Cho lies in a transparent coffin during a funeral procession in Yantai, China, captured in video footage. [RESPECTABLE HOUSEHOLD ECONOMY]

Years after 'death' of mastermind of Korea's biggest Ponzi scheme, victims await justice

Cho Hee-pal orchestrated Korea's largest Ponzi scheme, defrauding 70,000 victims of $3.4 billion. After fleeing to China, his reported death sparked ongoing suspicion and a troubled investigation, leaving many questions unanswered.

2026.5.28

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Young-ja, right, and her father pose for a photograph in front of their humble home in a remote mountain in Gangwon in an undated photo. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

The world discovers a young girl living in the mountains. What follows is murder and betrayal.

How did Young-ja go from living in the mountains with her father to becoming a celebrity, only for tragedy to strike? Was her new life in the city worth the loss and betrayal she faced?

2026.5.12

From left: Hwang Joo-yeon, poses for a photo in Muay Thai shorts, in an undated photo released by SBS's investigative program ″Unanswered Questions″ (1992-); A wanted poster of Hwang distributed by Seoul Seocho Police Station [SCREEN CAPTURE, SEOUL SEOCHO POLICE STATION]

17 years after savage murder of ex-wife in Seoul bus terminal, prime suspect yet to be found

In June 2008, Hwang Joo-yeon murdered his ex-wife while their daughter waited in a truck. Despite being one of South Korea's most wanted fugitives for 17 years, Hwang has evaded capture.

2026.4.7

From left: Shin Chang-won's handwritten letter; a mug shot of Shin Chang-won [JOONGANG ILBO, YUN YOUNG]

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.

2026.3.2

Jang Jae-jin, 25, fixes his hair in an elevator as he heads to his ex-girlfriend’s home on May 19, 2014. [DAEGU METROPOLITAN POLICE AGENCY]

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.

2026.2.3

Crime file image for Chijon Family gang member case [YUN YOUNG]

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.

2026.1.19

'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.

2026.1.5

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.

2025.12.22

A body inside two rice burlap sacks is seen next to a garbage cart in an outdoor parking space in Sinjeong-dong in western Seoul in June 2005. [SEOUL METROPOLITAN POLICE AGENCY]

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.

2025.12.7