Police Unlikely to Disclose Personal Information of Suspect in 'Japan Also Murder' Case (Comprehensive)

'Blaming a "Chinese Spy," Rambling
No History of Mental Illness Treatment
Drug Rapid Test Also Negative'

A man in his 30s who was arrested for killing a neighbor with a weapon at an apartment complex in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, was found to have no record of receiving treatment for mental illness.

The Seoul Western Police Station announced on the 2nd that there was no evidence to suggest Baek (37) had a history of mental illness. Baek also tested negative in a rapid drug test conducted that day. Earlier, when Baek refused a drug test, the police obtained a search warrant for his body and collected hair and urine samples for examination. A detailed analysis has also been requested from the National Forensic Service.

Baek Mo, who was urgently arrested by the police on suspicion of fatally stabbing a neighbor with a weapon in an apartment in Eunpyeong-gu, is entering the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 1st to undergo a pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant hearing).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

After undergoing a pre-trial detention hearing at the court the previous day, Baek stated, "I am not mentally impaired; I committed the crime with a sound mind." He also claimed, "My motive was to punish Kim Geon-hee, who betrayed the country, and Chinese spies," rambling about spies and a war being planned on the Korean Peninsula with China. He showed no remorse toward the victim and the bereaved family, repeatedly mentioning "spies."

Although no records were found indicating Baek had received psychiatric treatment at hospitals or clinics in the past, the police are considering the possibility that he may suffer from a mental illness. However, at this stage, it appears that his personal information will not be disclosed. The police review the disclosure of suspects' personal information through a committee when necessary for public interest, considering the brutality of the crime and the severity of the damage in cases of specific serious crimes that cause significant harm to the nation, society, or individuals.

A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official stated, "While the suspect is suspected of having a mental illness, there is a lack of objectively confirmed data such as a diagnosis regarding the presence or absence of mental illness," and added, "Considering that the victim and the suspect live in the same apartment complex and there is a possibility of secondary harm to the family, we are not considering holding a personal information disclosure review committee."

Baek Mo, who was urgently arrested by the police on suspicion of fatally stabbing a neighbor with a weapon in an apartment in Eunpyeong-gu, is entering the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 1st to undergo a pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant review).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Baek is accused of wielding a weapon with a blade length of 75 cm in front of the main gate of an apartment in Eunpyeong-gu around 11:30 p.m. on the 29th of last month, killing a man in his 40s who was a resident of the same complex. It was investigated that Baek swung the weapon multiple times at the victim, who had briefly stepped outside to smoke. The victim was transported to the hospital but ultimately died.

It was confirmed that Baek had no personal acquaintance with the victim, and during police questioning, he stated that he committed the crime because he believed the victim was a spy who had been continuously stalking him.

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