Kim Taehyun Carefully Planned the Crime... Citizens Outraged, "How Can Women Live in Safety?"

Victim Subjected to Habitual Stalking and Meticulous Crime Planning
Bizarre Acts Including Eating Meals at Crime Scene After Murder
"Victim Must Have Lived in Fear," "Severe Punishment Needed," Citizens Outraged
Experts Emphasize Importance of Protective Provisions in Stalking Punishment Law

Suspect Kim Taehyun (25) in the Nowon-gu Three Mothers Murder Case. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Public outrage is growing as it has been revealed that Kim Taehyun (25), the suspect in the murder of three women in Nowon-gu, Seoul, stalked the victims and meticulously planned the crime. There are criticisms that the stalking crime, which could have led to a major tragedy, was not stopped in time. Previously, the National Assembly passed the so-called 'Stalking Punishment Act,' which strengthens penalties for stalking crimes, but voices are emerging that follow-up legislation is needed to protect victims.

According to multiple media reports, on the afternoon of the 23rd of last month, around 5:30 PM, Kim Taehyun disguised himself as a delivery worker and broke into an apartment in Nowon-gu, Seoul, killing three family members: A (59), B (24), and C (22), who were mother and daughters.

Kim Taehyun is accused of killing C first, then about five hours later killing the mother A who returned home, and subsequently B. It is reported that Kim Taehyun met B while playing an online game, and after B rejected his romantic advances, he committed this crime.

During the crime, Kim Taehyun is also said to have continuously stalked B. According to testimonies from B’s acquaintances, Kim Taehyun habitually stalked and harassed B from January onward. As a result, B reportedly had to change her phone number and deliberately take longer routes home.

Suspect Kim Tae-hyun, accused of murdering three women in an apartment in Nowon-gu, Seoul, is attending a pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant hearing) held at the Seoul Northern District Court in Dobong-gu on the afternoon of the 4th. / Photo by Yonhap News

He also thoroughly planned the crime by preparing weapons in advance and disguising his identity. According to the 'Dong-A Ilbo' on the 6th, before going to the victim’s house, Kim Taehyun searched for 'vital points' on his phone, prepared clothes and weapons to change into after the crime, and disguised himself as a quick delivery worker, showing a calculated approach.

Moreover, after committing the crime, he stayed at the crime scene for three days, engaging in bizarre behavior such as eating and drinking, then deleted his phone messenger records and attempted to destroy evidence by self-harm.

Given these circumstances, citizens are expressing anger. There are criticisms that victims were left vulnerable until stalking crimes escalated to murder.

A female office worker A (26) living in Seoul said, "It is infuriating that the victim lived in fear due to habitual stalking and threats and ultimately was killed without being able to ask anyone for help," adding, "In such a situation, how can any woman feel safe walking the streets?"

Another office worker B in their 30s emphasized, "Strict punishment must be enforced to clearly show that stalking is never a minor crime."

The crime scene where the triple murder occurred on the 26th of last month in Nowon-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News TV

Meanwhile, on the 24th of last month, the National Assembly passed the 'Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes' (Stalking Punishment Act) in a plenary session. This is 22 years after the bill was first proposed in 1999.

The core of the bill is to classify stalking, which is currently a minor offense under existing law, as a crime punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. If dangerous items such as weapons are used, the sentence is increased to up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won.

Experts suggest that while legislation on punishing stalking crimes is necessary, it is more important to prevent crimes and protect victims through prompt police intervention.

Professor Lee Soojeong of Kyonggi University, specializing in criminal psychology, said in an interview on the KBS radio program 'Choi Kyungyoung’s Strong Current Affairs' on the 6th, "Even if temporary measures are imposed on stalkers, there are people with pathological obsession who continue to violate them," adding, "In cases of habitual violation of temporary measures, it is appropriate for the police to detain them."

She continued, "The purpose of the amendment should be to prevent violations of temporary measures by establishing new crimes for habitual violations," and emphasized, "Detailed provisions for protecting victims’ personal safety should also be added."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.