Original Source
Police Decide Against Publicizing Suspect's Identity, Sparking Online Debate Over Crime Glorification and Doxing
Police Decision Against Suspect Identity Disclosure and Online Fallout
Police have decided not to release the personal information of suspect Kim, involved in the Gangbuk hotel serial deaths case. However, Kim's real name, photos, and social media (SNS) accounts are already rapidly circulating online. Before the incident came to light, Kim's SNS followers numbered only around 200, but they have recently surged to 10,000. Some comments even praise Kim's appearance, glorify the crime, and even defend the suspect. Online communities have also openly posted Kim's photos under titles like "Suspect's Identity Revealed," indicating that, separate from the police's non-disclosure decision, online doxing, which constitutes private vigilantism, is spreading.
Reasons for Police's Non-Disclosure Decision and Expert Opinions
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stated that the reason for not convening an Identity Disclosure Review Committee was because the suspect denied any homicidal intent throughout the investigation. The police explained that they are focusing their investigation on proving 'willful negligence' in the deaths, and that it is difficult to consider all conditions for identity disclosure, such as the brutality of the crime and public interest, to be met. However, Attorney Kwak Jun-ho disagreed with the police's judgment, stating, "It seems we should judge the brutality based on the outcome," and pointing out that the victims "must have died in a truly unforeseeable state."
Controversy Over Fairness of Identity Disclosure and Future Investigation Plans
This decision by the police has led to fairness controversy when compared to other past cases. Last August, the Ulsan District Prosecutors' Office disclosed the identity of 33-year-old Jang Hyung-jun, who attempted to murder his girlfriend with a knife. Criticism has arisen that the criteria for identity disclosure are ambiguous, as Kim, suspected of two serial murders, has not had his identity revealed, unlike Jang, who faced attempted murder charges. Currently, the police are conducting a psychopathy diagnosis test on Kim and plan to transfer the case to the prosecution once the results are available. The prosecution stage can also hold a review committee to decide on identity disclosure.
*Source: YouTube: SBS News (2026-02-24)*
