Prosecutors have decided to convene a committee to discuss whether to publicly disclose the identity of Kim, the suspect in the "Gangbuk motel serial murder case," as they continue their investigation after taking over the case from police.
According to prosecutors on the 27th, the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office decided to hold an Identity Information Disclosure Review Committee meeting to discuss whether to release Kim's personal information. However, a prosecution official stated, "Since this is a closed-door review, we cannot disclose the specific schedule."
The Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes allows for the disclosure of a suspect's face, name, age, and other personal information through committee review in cases involving brutal crimes that caused severe harm. Once the review concludes, investigative agencies including the prosecution must notify the individual of the decision and obtain consent for matters such as the release of mugshots.
Kim was sent to prosecutors under arrest on the 19th on charges of murder and violation of the Narcotics Control Act for allegedly causing the deaths of two men in succession using drug-laced beverages. Police are conducting additional investigations after confirming on the 24th of last month that Kim allegedly gave a drug-laced beverage to another man, causing him to lose consciousness.