Search and Seizure at Middle School Student's Home in 'Bae Hyunjin Assault' Case... Investigation Under Protective Hospitalization

The police conducted a search of the home of the middle school student who assaulted Bae Hyun-jin, a member of the People Power Party, the previous day and announced that the investigation is proceeding under protective hospitalization.

On the afternoon of the 25th, a CCTV captured the scene of Baek Hyun-jin, a member of the People Power Party, being attacked in a building in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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On the 29th, a Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official said at a regular press briefing, “We conducted a search of the residence of suspect A (15) in Daechi-dong and investigated the parents about his usual tendencies and whereabouts,” adding, “We secured his mobile phone, laptop, and other items for forensic analysis. Once the analysis of call records, social networking services (SNS), and CCTV is complete, additional investigations will be conducted.”

Suspect A is expected to be transferred to protective hospitalization once the emergency hospitalization period ends. A police official explained, “The suspect’s parents agreed to the protective hospitalization,” and added, “We believe the hospitalization will continue for the time being. It is a matter for the hospital to decide.” It was confirmed that the suspect had never been investigated by the police for violent tendencies in the past, and further investigation is needed to understand why he usually carried stones.

Regarding whether the crime was impulsive or premeditated, the police said, “There is insufficient evidence beyond CCTV footage and the initial statement to make a judgment,” and added, “Further investigation will be conducted after the mobile phone analysis is complete.” Concerning the possibility of accomplices, they stated, “It is premature to say whether it was a solo crime or if there were accomplices,” and “We will investigate keeping various possibilities in mind.” Regarding whether A attended a rally supporting Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, the police said, “We have not officially confirmed this with the suspect,” and explained, “We are currently verifying his whereabouts on that matter.”

Earlier, on the 25th at around 5:18 p.m., Bae was attacked multiple times on the head with a stone by suspect A at the entrance of a building in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and collapsed bleeding from the head. The police arrested suspect A at the scene on charges of special assault and took him into custody. After questioning A in the presence of his guardian, the police placed him under emergency hospitalization. Emergency hospitalization is a system that allows a person suspected of having a mental illness to be admitted to a psychiatric medical institution for up to three days if there is an imminent risk of self-harm or harm to others.

During the police investigation, suspect A reportedly claimed that he went out two hours before the incident, met Bae, and committed the crime impulsively. He also stated that he had recently been treated for depression and was awaiting hospitalization. It is known that he testified that he usually carried the stone used in the crime.

Born in 2009, suspect A is not classified as a criminal minor under 14 years old (juvenile exempt from prosecution) and can be subject to criminal punishment. Under the Juvenile Act, cases involving juveniles under 19 years old are heard by the family court or the juvenile division of the district court with jurisdiction. If necessary, depending on the motive and nature of the crime, the case can be transferred to the prosecution for criminal disposition.

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