Shin Euijin, Yonsei University Pediatric Psychiatry Professor: "Jo Hyunsoo Has Strong Egocentrism and Deep Pathology"
Suspect Lee Eun-hae (31, female) and accomplice Jo Hyun-soo (30) in the publicly wanted 'Gapyeong Valley Husband Murder Case' [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] Lee Eunhae (31), who is accused of murdering her husband for insurance money, has been diagnosed with a high likelihood of having antisocial personality disorder.
Professor Shin Euijin, a pediatric psychiatrist at Yonsei University, appeared on YTN's 'News Q' on the 8th and said, "The biggest characteristic of antisocial personality disorder is the lack of emotional empathy for others, unlike ordinary people," adding, "People with antisocial personality disorder cannot understand others' feelings, use others for their own benefit, and cannot control impulses when angry. It is highly likely that Lee is experiencing such a personality disorder."
He continued, "The victim seems to have suffered considerable harassment after marrying Lee. People with antisocial personality disorder usually manage the relationships of those close to them," and added, "I think the victim was already unable to defend herself."
Regarding Jo Hyunsoo (30), Lee’s lover and another suspect, he said, "Ordinary people can sufficiently put themselves in others' shoes. They think, 'If she (Lee Eunhae) kills her ex-husband, could I also (kill)?' but not being able to think this way indicates strong egocentrism and deep pathology."
Professor Shin further explained that this case is similar to the 'Go Yoojeong case,' saying, "Both (Lee Eunhae and Go Yoojeong) are women who committed crimes by exploiting someone once very close to them, attacking intimate people and defrauding for their own benefit, which is similar."
When asked whether the suspects might feel fear due to media coverage while their whereabouts remain unknown, Professor Shin replied, "If even a little emotion or anxiety surfaces, they would be exposed through mistakes, but they control their emotions very well and evade capture," adding, "If antisocial personality traits are strong, defense mechanisms are also strong and actions are planned," and expressed concern, "I worry about what will happen if this case drags on."
Lee Eunhae and Jo Hyunsoo conspired to kill Lee’s ex-husband Mr. A by feeding him food mixed with pufferfish ovaries and blood at a pension in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province, in February 2019, but the attempt failed due to a sublethal dose. In May of the same year, they tried to drown Mr. A at a fishing spot in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, but the attempt also failed after a friend who woke up discovered it.
Although Lee Eunhae and Jo Hyunsoo were investigated by the police and prosecution, the case was closed as an 'unexplained death' in October of the same year. In November, they filed an insurance claim worth about 800 million won, which was rejected. They are charged with attempted insurance fraud under the Special Act on the Prevention of Insurance Fraud. The prosecution issued a public arrest warrant for Lee Eunhae and Jo Hyunsoo on the 30th of last month.
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