South Korean motel murder suspect's Japan trip after victim's death sparks outrage
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Kim So-young, accused of serial murders at a motel, is facing renewed anger from victims' families after it was revealed she traveled to Japan shortly after her first victim's death.
- Kim denies intent and claims her future is ruined by public disclosure of her identity, while also arguing the damages sought by victims' families are excessive.
- The prosecution alleges Kim drugged and killed two men and incapacitated another between December and February, with additional charges for injuring three others.
Kim So-young, the suspect in a series of motel murders, is drawing fresh outrage from the families of her victims. Reports indicate she traveled to Japan with an acquaintance shortly after her first victim died, a detail that has deeply distressed the bereaved.
Everything is out in the open, and I've given up on everything.
Kim, who is on trial for allegedly murdering two men and causing one to fall into a coma by administering drugged drinks, has denied her alleged intent. In a handwritten response submitted to the court, she claimed her life was over due to the public disclosure of her identity, stating, "Everything is out in the open, and I've given up on everything." She also described her current situation as one where she "cannot even dream."
The revelation of her trip to Japan immediately after the first victim's death emerged from her court filing. Furthermore, regarding the approximately 30 million won in damages sought by the victims' families, Kim argued the amount was excessive, stating it was "impossible to repay even if I worked my whole life" and that she "cannot afford it" due to the 12% interest.
I cannot even dream.
Victims' families have strongly condemned Kim's attitude. Their legal representative, lawyer Nam Eon-ho, expressed their fury and despair, calling her stance "unmitigated audacity" and a form of "secondary victimization." He affirmed their commitment to pursuing legal responsibility until the end.
It is impossible to repay even if I worked my whole life.
Kim So-young was indicted on charges of administering drugged beverages to three men from December to February, resulting in two deaths and one person falling into a coma. Additional charges have been filed against her for using the same method to injure three other men.
I cannot afford it.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.