Incheon Guwol-dong stabbing: 59-year-old Choi Chung-rak arrested and named; 8 injured
First seen · Oct 17, 4:04 AM (Seoul) · Last updated · Oct 17, 4:04 AM (Seoul)
Choi Chung-rak, 59, who injured eight people in a knife attack at a large shopping complex in Guwol-dong, Namdong District, Incheon, on Oct. 13, was formally arrested and publicly identified on Oct. 16. A 19-year-old woman among the victims has yet to regain consciousness.
What happened
At around 1:48 p.m. on Oct. 13, Choi Chung-rak, 59, attacked 10 visitors with a knife at a large commercial complex in Guwol-dong, Namdong District, Incheon, injuring eight. A 19-year-old woman among the victims was taken to hospital in cardiac arrest and underwent surgery but has not regained consciousness.
Why it's trending
The Incheon District Court issued an arrest warrant on Oct. 16 on charges of attempted murder and carrying a weapon in a public place, citing a risk of flight. The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency’s review committee voted unanimously to disclose his identity given the brutality of the crime and the number of victims; the disclosure runs for 30 days until Nov. 16. Choi has 10 prior convictions carrying fines or heavier penalties, including two for attempted murder.
Reactions
Choi told police he held a grudge against a hospital where he was being treated for a skin condition and attacked after the hospital reported him to police. He also reportedly said he wanted to “make news” to publicize his grievances. On SBS, the article on his identity disclosure made the most-read list.
What to watch
Police are continuing to investigate Choi after his arrest. The condition of the 19-year-old victim, who remains unconscious, and the charges to be brought after the investigation are the outstanding issues.