South Korean President offers condolences after arrest in decade-old Philippines murder case

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has expressed deep condolences to the family of Ji Ik-ju, a South Korean national murdered in the Philippines over a decade ago. The president announced that the main suspect in the case has been arrested.

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I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family who have endured over 10 years of pain and waiting, earnestly hoping for the truth of the case to be revealed.

"I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family who have endured over 10 years of pain and waiting, earnestly hoping for the truth of the case to be revealed," Lee stated in a Facebook message. He added, "I am relieved to be able to share the news that the perpetrator has been apprehended, albeit late."

The case, a prominent example of violent crime against expatriates in the Philippines, had remained unsolved for a long time. President Lee mentioned that during his visit to the Philippines in March, the family directly requested progress in the investigation, and the Korean community there had also called for the case's resolution.

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I am relieved to be able to share the news that the perpetrator has been apprehended, albeit late.

Lee attributed the arrest to the close collaboration between the South Korean Embassy in the Philippines, the Korean Desk, and the Philippine police authorities. He emphasized that protecting the lives and safety of citizens is a fundamental duty of the state, vowing to pursue any crime against South Koreans anywhere in the world to the end.

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Protecting the lives and safety of citizens is a fundamental duty of the state, and we will pursue any crime against South Koreans anywhere in the world to the end.