A Gruesome Crime in South Korea
In Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, a terrifying crime occurred. A 31-year-old man, named Yang Jeong-yeol, killed a stranger to steal his identity. On November 12, Yang entered a mixed-use residential building in Gimcheon. Inside, he killed a man in his 30s who he had never met. After the murder, Yang took the victim’s identification and cash cards. He then spent millions of South Korean won on various goods and services.
Stealing More Than Just Money
What makes this crime even more chilling is what Yang did next. He used the victim’s fingerprints to apply for a loan. The loan amount? A staggering 60 million KRW (around $45,000 USD). Yang used the victim’s phone to complete the process. This crime was a brutal act of identity theft.
Deceptive Actions Following the Murder
After killing the victim, Yang wrapped the body in plastic. He then moved into the victim’s home as if nothing had happened. Yang continued using the victim’s cards. He shopped, took taxis, and even stayed at hotels. He spent the victim’s money without any hesitation. To cover his tracks, he sent fake text messages from the victim’s phone. These texts claimed the victim was out of town. The victim’s family grew suspicious when they couldn’t reach him. 
The Confession and Arrest
On November 19, a week after the crime, Yang called his parents. He confessed to the murder and said he wanted to commit suicide. His parents immediately contacted the authorities. Police quickly tracked down Yang and arrested him at a motel parking lot in Gimcheon. Yang initially denied the charges. He claimed the killing was an accident that happened during a fight. However, after further investigation, the police discovered that he had planned the murder. He brought a weapon with him and tried to cover up the crime. Once the evidence was presented, Yang admitted to the murder.
Public Outcry and Legal Consequences
The victim’s family was devastated by the loss. They held a protest outside the Daegu District Prosecutor’s Office, demanding justice. On December 11, the prosecutor’s office decided to release Yang Jeong-yeol’s personal details. This decision followed South Korea’s Special Law on the Disclosure of Personal Information of Suspects in Major Crimes. The information, including his name and photo, was made public for 30 days. The authorities believe this was necessary to protect public interest and prevent further crimes.
A Grim Reminder of the Dangers of Identity Theft
This case serves as a reminder of how dangerous identity theft can be. The criminal not only stole money, but also used the victim’s identity to take out a significant loan. The authorities have pledged to ensure that Yang faces severe punishment for his actions.
