Lee Eunhae and Insurance Planner, Possible Accomplices... Pyo Changwon "They Even Traveled Together, Bounty Should Be Offered"

Pyo Chang-won "Must Expose Betrayal by Accomplices"
Lee Soo-jung "Prolonged Seclusion Not Impossible"

Lee Eun-hae (left) and accomplice Jo Hyun-soo, who are wanted for causing the death of the husband to claim insurance money. / Photo by Incheon District Prosecutors' Office

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Amid the continued uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of 'Valley Murder Case' suspects Lee Eun-hae (31) and Jo Hyun-soo (30), profiler Pyo Chang-won, director of the Crime Science Research Institute, asserted that there is a high possibility of a third accomplice and emphasized the need to offer a reward for their capture.

On the 13th, appearing on KBS1's 'The Live,' Director Pyo explained the reasons why Lee Eun-hae has not been apprehended so far, stating, "If the suspect has all three conditions?criminal life experience, money, and accomplices?it is possible to remain hidden for a considerable period."

He continued, "Since Lee Eun-hae has been involved in crime since adolescence, she has experience living without using a mobile phone or credit card. Judging by the cash she gathered before fleeing, she seems to have a certain amount of money. While there is some doubt about the presence of accomplices, the possibility is quite high," he explained.

Lee Eun-hae was arrested and prosecuted in May 2009 for special theft and theft during her teenage years. It has been confirmed that she has a criminal record of six offenses, including theft.

Director Pyo stressed the necessity of offering a reward for their capture. He said, "The greatest effect of a reward is not on ordinary citizens but on people close to the suspect or accomplices, encouraging betrayal. These individuals have not formed a trust relationship over a long period. Since their connections are based on mutual interests, if a large reward is offered and their identities are guaranteed, they are highly likely to report immediately."

He suspected an insurance agent who arranged for Lee Eun-hae to take out insurance under her husband Yoon's name as a possible accomplice. Director Pyo stated, "We are focusing on the insurance agent who facilitated an 800 million won life insurance policy. Despite suspicious circumstances, the agent maintained and managed the contract. It was also confirmed that the agent traveled with Lee Eun-hae and Jo Hyun-soo. Considering this special relationship, this person deserves attention and has a high possibility of being an accomplice."

He proposed three possibilities if the insurance agent is an accomplice. The first is that the agent could be the mastermind; the second is that all three conspired together from the beginning; the third is a passive role where the agent only received a commission and did not participate in the actual murder.

Professor Lee Soo-jung of the Department of Criminal Psychology at Kyonggi University also appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "(Since Lee Eun-hae and Jo Hyun-soo) have traces of involvement in the crime, considering the nature of such organizations, it is not impossible for them to remain in hiding for a considerable time as they are now." She added, "I think the investigation should be broadened to include acquaintances and past accomplices to track their current whereabouts."

Kim Young-tae, PD of SBS's 'Unanswered Questions,' also appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' on the 12th and shared past phone conversations with Lee Eun-hae, saying, "They are no ordinary people." He said, "They skillfully diverted the conversation to different topics. They even aggressively asked me, 'How did you get my number?' first. This made me think they must have experienced many illegal and unconventional things."