Crime Motive Unclear... Psychological Analysis Shows Different Traits
Expert: "Difficult to Explain Solely by Innate Characteristics"
Jeong Yoo-jeong, who murdered a woman of the same age in Busan and disposed of the body, is drawing increased attention regarding her identity as experts have expressed that it is not certain whether she can be definitively diagnosed as a psychopath (antisocial personality disorder) or a recluse.
On the 17th, experts in mental health and criminal psychology analyzed on SBS's "Unanswered Questions" that Jeong Yoo-jeong exhibited characteristics different from those of a psychopath or a recluse. They also stated that her motive for the crime is difficult to explain solely by innate traits.
Po Chang-won, director of the Crime Science Research Institute, said, "I have doubts about whether the score Jeong Yoo-jeong received on the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), which was 28 points?higher than serial killer Kang Ho-soon?is really accurate."
Jeong Yoo-jung is being transferred from Busan Dongnae Police Station to the prosecution on the morning of the 2nd. June 2, 2023. Photo by Yonhap News
Director Po pointed out, "There should be confirmation of juvenile and adult crimes, promiscuous sexual behavior, superficial interpersonal relationships, and parasitic lifestyle, but none of these have been confirmed in Jeong Yoo-jeong." One of the characteristics of psychopaths is "excellent verbal skills," but Jeong Yoo-jeong is poor at speaking in front of others, and Director Po explained that she has no history of committing other crimes before killing a peer woman.
Experts also found it difficult to classify Jeong Yoo-jeong as a recluse. Looking at her past behavior, although it is true that she had little interaction with people around her or family, she did not live a completely isolated life like a recluse.
Professor Kim Hye-won of Hoseo University’s Department of Youth Culture Counseling, who has studied recluses, explained, "(Recluses) have little energy to attack or resent others because they blame themselves. Their aggression is directed inward." On the other hand, she said, "In Jeong Yoo-jeong’s case, the direction of that energy is clearly very different."
Some experts cautiously suggested the possibility that Jeong Yoo-jeong may have autistic tendencies. Psychiatrist Lee Kwang-min diagnosed that, based on testimonies from friends who said Jeong Yoo-jeong avoided conversations with friends during school and hid behind curtains in the classroom, "At the core of her personality, there are glimpses of autistic traits."
He also explained, "(Jeong Yoo-jeong) wore only slippers throughout the entire crime process. People with autistic tendencies are very sensitive to physical sensations. They often feel uncomfortable with tight clothing and such. They generally do not care about others’ gazes. Another characteristic is a unique way of speaking and walking. These aspects can also be considered elements reflecting autistic traits."
Professor Lim Myung-ho of Dankook University’s Department of Psychology (psychiatrist) raised the possibility of high-functioning autism (Asperger’s syndrome), which has relatively fewer autistic traits. Asperger’s syndrome is a type of autism spectrum disorder characterized by difficulty understanding others’ minds and a preference for solitude.
However, experts emphasized that it is difficult to view Jeong Yoo-jeong’s antisocial crime as caused by autistic traits. Dr. Lee said, "Having autistic traits does not mean someone can harm others, be malicious, or become criminal. It is just one characteristic."
Professor Lim also explained, "No matter how severe a mental illness or psychopathy is, people do not commit crimes solely because of innate traits. A person with such latent predispositions is exposed to a tremendous trauma, and when a second shock occurs, it erupts."
Experts believe Jeong Yoo-jeong has trauma related to her family and that there were factors triggering the crime during the five years after graduating from high school. Director Po said, "Other criminals have understandable past records, but nothing like that is seen in Jeong Yoo-jeong," adding, "Therefore, she is still a figure difficult to define prematurely."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
