'Mountain Trail Sexual Assault' Choi Yoon-jong Says to Reporters "Wow"... "Are You Here for a Tour?" Public Outrage

Repeated Claims of "Accidental Crime"

The suspect in the ‘Sillim-dong hiking trail sexual assault and murder case,’ Choi Yoon-jong (30), sparked public outrage with his demeanor as he left the police station on the 25th to be transferred to the prosecution.

According to footage released by MBC that day, Choi Yoon-jong appeared impressed, saying “Wow,” as he exited the Gwanak Police Station in Seoul around 7 a.m., where a crowd of reporters had gathered. His mouth corners were also slightly raised.

When reporters asked, “Why did you commit the crime?” Choi seemed prepared to answer and replied briefly, “Impulsively.” When asked again, “You say it was impulsive?” he said, “It just happened without me realizing it.”

To the question, “Did you intend to kill from the beginning?” he responded somewhat irritably, “Ah, no, that’s not the case.”

Citizens were outraged by Choi Yoon-jong’s attitude, which showed no sign of remorse. Comments included, “Did he come here for a police station tour?” “He seems to be enjoying this situation,” and “You say it was impulsive, but why did you prepare knuckles?”

Choi Yoon-jong is accused of assaulting and sexually assaulting the victim, Ms. A, near the Gwanaksan mountain trail connected to a park in Sillim-dong on the 17th. After Ms. A was transferred to the hospital and received treatment, she passed away on the 19th, leading the police to change Choi’s charge from rape and injury to rape and murder.

Rape resulting in death is punishable by life imprisonment or a prison sentence of 10 years or more, but rape and murder can only be sentenced to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Although Choi claimed on the day that the crime was ‘impulsive,’ there were indications that the crime was committed deliberately. The day before, the police analyzed Choi’s portal site search history and found that he had searched for terms such as “knuckles” and “public indecency.” Forensic analysis of his phone and computer also revealed that he had viewed articles related to knuckles, sexual assault, murder, and murder threats.

Additionally, the police confirmed that Choi had received treatment for depression in 2015. According to family statements, Choi had been treated for depression but did not continue treatment. It was also confirmed that after enlisting at the end of 2014, Choi had participated in cold-weather training as a private but was caught after leaving without permission while carrying a rifle and live ammunition, claiming he needed to use the restroom.

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