Prosecutors are reviewing whether to publicly disclose the identity of a suspect in the "motel serial murder case" as they continue their investigation after taking over from police.
According to Seoul Economic Daily's reporting on the 26th, the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office is considering convening an Identity Information Disclosure Review Committee to discuss whether to release the suspect Kim's personal information. A prosecution official stated, "We are examining various circumstances."
Under the Serious Crime Identity Disclosure Act that took effect in January 2024, prosecutors can refer suspects accused of specific serious crimes including violent offenses to the Identity Information Disclosure Review Committee to determine whether to release their identity.
The victims' families are also demanding disclosure of Kim's personal information.
Attorney Nam Eon-ho, legal representative for the family of victim A—the second person killed by Kim—issued a press release on the 26th calling for identity disclosure, describing the case as "one of the most cold-blooded and premeditated serial crimes our society has experienced."
"The suspect's crimes are substantiated by overwhelming evidence including CCTV footage, confessions, forensic data, and ChatGPT search records, and the possibility of future incidents still exists," Nam said. "Despite this, we cannot accept that police internally decided not to disclose the identity."
Nam added that "some internet users are praising the suspect's appearance and trivializing the crimes with comments like 'innocent because she's pretty,'" pointing out that posts groundlessly defaming the victims are also circulating online.
Citing Kim's premeditated preparation, the severity of harm, and additional crimes discovered during investigation, he urged that "all circumstances must be carefully examined and the maximum sentence under law must be imposed on the suspect."
Nam also stated that the legal team plans to pursue all civil and criminal remedies, including defamation of the deceased and insult charges, against online secondary victimization involving defaming victims, defending the perpetrator, or trivializing the crimes.
Kim was sent to prosecutors on the 19th under arrest on charges of murder and violation of the Narcotics Control Act for allegedly killing two men in succession using drug-laced beverages.
Police confirmed on the 24th of last month that Kim also allegedly gave a drug-laced beverage to another man in his 30s, causing him to lose consciousness, and are conducting a preliminary investigation.
However, police are taking a cautious stance on determining victim status. A police official said, "It is difficult to confirm details as this is under investigation," adding, "We will work to uncover any additional victims to the end."