Stalker in His 50s Released After Warrant Dismissal Dies by Suicide After Attacking Ex-Girlfriend's Shop
by Heo Midam
Published 12 May.2026 14:03(KST)
Victim Locked Door and Called Police from Karaoke Bar
A man in his 50s who had been arrested for stalking but released after the court dismissed a detention warrant, went to his ex-girlfriend’s karaoke bar with a weapon, committed a violent attack, and then took his own life.
According to Yonhap News Agency on May 12, the man, referred to as A, who had been arrested on suspicion of violating the Anti-Stalking Act, went to the karaoke bar run by his ex-girlfriend, B, in Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, at around 9:50 p.m. the previous day, carrying a weapon. At the time, B locked herself inside the karaoke bar and called the police, which reportedly spared her from harm. Afterward, A harmed himself at the scene, was transported to the hospital, but ultimately died.
Earlier, on May 5, A had been arrested on suspicion of sending threatening text messages to B after she requested to end the relationship. On May 6, the police requested a detention warrant for A and applied for temporary protective measures 1 through 4. However, the court dismissed the warrant, citing a lack of risk of evidence destruction or flight, and the victim’s stated wish not to pursue punishment. The court also rejected requests for electronic monitoring (measure 3-2) and detention (measure 4), and only approved measures 1 to 3 (written warning, restraining order within 100 meters, and prohibition of telecommunication contact).
B was offered temporary housing and private security support by the police, but declined and stayed out of town for a period of time. The incident reportedly occurred when B briefly visited the store she was operating.
A police official stated, "After the initial stalking incident, a smartwatch was provided to B and she was registered in the 112 emergency call system. We continued to contact her afterward to explain victim support programs and implemented all possible safety measures within the scope of her cooperation."