Shaman Arrested in Gwangju Park for Strangling Disabled Man, Cites 'Curse'

A disturbing incident in Gwangju, South Korea, has led to the arrest of a man in his 20s who allegedly strangled a disabled man in a public park. The assailant, who reportedly practices shamanism, reportedly attacked the victim without any apparent provocation, leaving him unconscious.

The Gwangju Seobu Police arrested the suspect, identified only as A, on charges of assault. According to reports, the incident occurred on June 6 around 4 p.m. in a park located in Hwajeong-dong, Seogu district. The victim, identified as B, a man in his 60s, was rendered unconscious by the strangulation.

During police questioning, the suspect, who resides outside the Gwangju area, stated that he was visiting the city to meet a friend when he encountered the victim. He claimed that he saw something on the victim's head and believed that a curse, or 'sal,' was being directed at him, which prompted the assault. Police apprehended the suspect at the scene as a 범행 (beomhaeng - criminal act).

Authorities have applied for and received an arrest warrant for the suspect. The decision to detain him was based on the seriousness of the offense, particularly given that he committed the act while already on probation for a previous offense. Police cited the gravity of the situation and the potential for repeat offenses as reasons for seeking his immediate custody.