While the police decided not to disclose the personal information of Mr. Kim (67, incarcerated), who attacked Lee Jae-myeong, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, with a weapon, it was belatedly revealed that the New York Times (NYT) had already revealed Mr. Kim’s real name.
On the 3rd (local time), the NYT reported on the attack on Representative Lee in an article titled, ‘The attack on the opposition leader with a weapon raises awareness in polarized Korea.’
NYT revealed Mr. Kim’s real name and said, “The police said that Kim OO, a 66-year-old real estate broker, admitted to the charge of attempting to murder CEO Lee. “Officials said little is known about Mr. Kim’s private life or political background, other than the fact that he is a former public servant who has run a real estate agency in Asan (South Chungcheong Province) since 2012.”
He added: “Police found no criminal, drug use or psychiatric convictions and his neighbors said they had very little interaction with him.”
A suspect named Kim, who was arrested on charges of swinging a weapon to kill Lee Jae-myeong, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (attempted murder), is being transferred to the prosecution at Yeonje Police Station in Yeonje-gu, Busan on the morning of the 10th. News 1On the 9th, the Busan Police Agency’s investigation headquarters held a suspect identity disclosure review committee (personal identity disclosure committee) and decided not to disclose personal information, including Mr. Kim’s face and name. At the time, it was reported that the personal information disclosure committee consisted of seven members, including external members. According to regulations, personal information will be disclosed if more than two-thirds of attendees agree.
The Personal Information Disclosure Committee has four requirements for personal information disclosure under the Special Act on the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes: △ the means of the crime were cruel and serious damage occurred △ sufficient evidence to believe that the crime was committed △ preventing the suspect from reoffending and preventing crimes △ the public’s right to know. He explained that this decision was made considering the following.
Regarding the reason for non-disclosure, a police official said, “We cannot reveal details.”
The police had previously decided not to disclose Mr. Kim’s party affiliation in accordance with the Political Party Act. Even when the investigation results are announced, party affiliation will not be disclosed.
On the 2nd, Mr. Kim was handed over to the prosecution on charges of stabbing CEO Lee in the neck with a weapon (attempted murder) while he was traveling after touring the new airport site on Gadeok Island, Busan.
Hyewon Lee, Donga.com
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.