Will the Identity of the 'Gwangju Female High School Student Murder' Suspect Be Disclosed?

The decision on whether to disclose the personal information of Jang, a 24-year-old man who murdered a female high school student and seriously injured a male high school student while they were returning home in downtown Gwangju, could be made as early as tomorrow. The police, taking into account the brutality of the crime and its significant social impact, have confirmed that they will convene a committee to review the disclosure and are focusing their investigative resources on the possibility that the crime was premeditated.

According to the Gwangju Police Agency on May 6, the police plan to hold a review committee on May 7 or 8 to decide whether to disclose the personal information of Jang, who was urgently arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder.

Gwangju Police Agency building.

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The disclosure of personal information is determined according to the "Act on Disclosure of Personal Information of Suspects of Specific Serious Crimes," based on whether the crime involved brutality, resulted in significant harm, is supported by sufficient evidence, and whether there is public interest and the public's right to know. If disclosure is decided, it will be the first such case in the Gwangju region since the law was enacted.

Jang is accused of stabbing and killing a 17-year-old second-year female high school student, referred to as A, with a weapon several times at 12:11 a.m. on May 5 on a walkway in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, as she was on her way home. He is also accused of seriously injuring a 17-year-old male high school student, referred to as B, from another school, who approached after hearing the victim's screams in an attempt to help.

During the investigation, Jang stated, "I found no joy in life and was contemplating suicide when I saw the female student and acted on impulse." However, the police believe it is highly likely that the crime was premeditated, given that Jang had prepared a weapon in advance, as well as the choice of location and his movements prior to the incident, and are continuing their investigation accordingly.

The police plan to request a warrant for Jang's arrest within the day, and the pretrial detention hearing is expected to take place around May 7. A police official stated, "We will form a review committee with up to 10 internal and external members and make a swift and rigorous decision on whether to disclose the suspect's information."

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