Lee Su-jeong "Shillim-dong Weapon Rampage Perpetrator Wants to Become a Hero Through Crime"

Professor of Criminal Psychology at Kyonggi University, CBS Radio Interview
"Multiple Convictions... Growing Up Without Fear Under Current Law"

Professor Lee Soo-jung of the Department of Criminal Psychology at Kyonggi University emphasized the need to pay attention to the suspect, Cho Seon (33), sitting and resting on the stairs near the scene before being arrested by the police in the stabbing rampage that took place on the 27th in the Sillim-dong area of Gwanak-gu, Seoul. She suggested that this could indicate a twisted psychology of wanting to become a hero through crime.

Professor Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that day and explained, "The part to pay close attention to is how, after committing the stabbing rampage, he sat on the stairs and rested comfortably until he was arrested," adding, "When the media held microphones up to him, he spoke as if he had prepared his story in advance."

She said, "Looking at the whole process, the ultimate point this person wanted to reach seems to be a desire to become a kind of hero through a sensational crime, which can be connected to resolving some deep-rooted inferiority complex."

Suspect Chosun (33) in the Shinlim-dong weapon rampage incident [Image provided by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency]

She also pointed out that Cho has a criminal record of three prior convictions and 14 juvenile referrals. Professor Lee said, "This person grew up without fearing anything under current law, and with such a history, it would have been difficult to attend school normally."

She explained, "He wanted to appear strong in the world of peers around him who committed crimes, but due to physical vulnerabilities, he could not become a powerful figure. Therefore, it can be interpreted that he carried out the crime as a last attempt to show his value to them."

In police investigations, Cho stated, "I felt inferior because I am shorter than others," and "I have long felt inferior to male peers who had better physical and economic conditions than me." According to his statement, Cho's height is about 168 cm.

Professor Lee emphasized, "There is actually no reason for him to cause such casualties to people he has no relation with," adding, "Such extremely antisocial and absurdly motivated acts of indiscriminately attacking innocent people must be severely punished."

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