Prosecutors: "Weapon Assault Is a Terror Crime... Will Ensure Maximum Punishment"

The prosecution announced on the 4th that it will thoroughly investigate the recent series of 'random knife attacks' as 'terrorist crimes against the public.'

Supreme Prosecutors' Office building. Photo by Younghan Heo younghan@

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office stated, "A dedicated investigation team has been formed at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office to focus on the 'Sillim Station knife attack incident' and the 'Sillim Station murder threat incident,'" adding, "We will ensure that terrorist crimes against an unspecified large number of people in public receive the maximum legal punishment."

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office also established a dedicated investigation team at the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office, which has jurisdiction over the 'Seohyeon Station knife attack incident' that occurred the previous day.

Regarding this case, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office emphasized, "We will swiftly and thoroughly uncover the full background and motives of copycat and abnormal motive crimes to ensure the maximum legal punishment."

They also announced plans to improve legislation. The Supreme Prosecutors' Office said, "We will request the Ministry of Justice to propose legislative amendments that allow for aggravated punishment of 'public intimidation acts' that infringe upon or threaten the safety of an unspecified large number of people in public, treating them as acts of terrorism."

This strong response is interpreted as a measure taken due to growing public anxiety following a series of heinous crimes targeting unspecified citizens at locations such as Sillim Station and Seohyeon Station.