Profiler Bae Sang-hoon has sharply criticized prosecutors' analysis of the so-called "Gangbuk motel murder" case, arguing that investigators relied too heavily on the suspect's statements.
According to industry sources on the 13th, Bae raised concerns about the investigation process and criminal psychology analysis through a YouTube channel. He said the prosecution's announcement "seems somehow unconvincing" and "appears to be an improper investigation."
Bae's primary criticism centers on investigators' excessive acceptance of suspect Kim So-young's claims. He particularly took issue with prosecutors describing the suspect's childhood environment as "family discord."
"If she was continuously exposed to her father's alcohol-fueled violence as a child, that's not family discord—that's child abuse," Bae said. "Describing child abuse simply as family discord is highly inappropriate."
He also urged caution against approaches that directly link childhood abuse experiences to serial murder. "Not everyone who experienced childhood abuse becomes a serial killer," he said. "Many people have experienced child abuse, but most are not criminals—they more often suffer other forms of emotional problems."
Bae cited cases of serial killers Lee Chun-jae, Yoo Young-chul, and Kang Ho-soon, noting that criminals intentionally use "troubled childhood" narratives to justify their crimes or seek reduced sentences. He added that Lee Chun-jae, known for his troubled upbringing, actually grew up in a middle-class or better household.
"Serial killers frequently tell childhood abuse narratives to explain their behavior. If investigators accept these at face value, the case analysis itself can be distorted," he said. "Investigators and media can easily fall into narrative structures that criminals create themselves. Criminals know well that such narratives work."
Regarding the investigation results, Bae said: "Looking at the Kim So-young case, I thought 'why is this investigation so botched?' Conducting an investigation by simply copying the self-narrative that criminals claim is laughable."
He also warned that "simply linking egocentric tendencies with psychopathic tendencies is a very dangerous approach," adding that "such explanations can appear more like interpretations designed to fit conclusions rather than scientific analysis."
"When police or prosecutors explain criminal psychology, expert verification and scientific evidence are needed," he said. "Based only on the explanations made public so far, it's difficult to fully understand how they reached such conclusions."
Kim was sent to prosecutors under arrest on the 19th of last month on charges including murder and violation of drug control laws. She allegedly gave drug-laced beverages to three men in their 20s from mid-December last year through the 9th of last month, causing them to lose consciousness or die. During police questioning, Kim reportedly stated that she "carried hangover relief drinks mixed with medications prescribed by a hospital" and "handed the drinks to victims to put them to sleep after disagreements arose at motels," adding that she "didn't know they would die."