"Great Comfort from Police Help"... Thank You Letter from Bereaved Family of 'Bundang Stabbing Rampage'

Parents of the late Kim Hyebin greet the victim support police officer

The parents of the late Kim Hyebin (aged 20 at the time of death), who passed away due to the "Bundang stabbing incident," have sent a letter of thanks to the police for their victim protection system, which was revealed belatedly.

On the 24th, the Suwon Southern Police Station in Gyeonggi announced that Kim Hyebin’s parents expressed their gratitude to Chief Jo Byeongno of the Suwon Southern Police Station and Sergeant Hwang Haesol, the officer in charge of victim support, through the "Conversation with the Chief" page on the police station’s website on the 6th of this month. The letter stated, "Hyebin, who was hit by a car on August 3 last year and was in a brain-dead state receiving life-sustaining treatment at Ajou University Trauma Center, passed away on the 28th of the same month," and added, "Although we received help from many organizations during that time, the most practical support came from Chief Jo and Sergeant Hwang."

Portrait photo of the late Kim Hye-bin, victim of the 'Bundang Stabbing Incident,' displayed at the funeral hall
[Photo by Yonhap News]

It continued, "Sergeant Hwang worked hard from the day after Hyebin was hospitalized until the funeral, providing a comfortable lodging and assisting with various civil complaints," and "He also earnestly advised us to receive psychological counseling and recover." Kim’s parents said, "While other organizations disappointed crime victims due to legal reasons, lack of precedent, or absence of policies, Chief Jo’s consideration and Sergeant Hwang’s skillful on-site handling were a great comfort that patted our family’s back," and added, "We bow our heads in deep gratitude."

Thank You Letter from the Parents of the Late Kim Hye-bin Posted on the Police Station Website
[Photo by Suwon Nambu Police Station, Yonhap News]

Kim was hit by a vehicle driven by Choi Wonjong (22), who drove onto the sidewalk on August 3 last year, and after receiving life-sustaining treatment in a brain-dead state, passed away on the 28th of the same month. The bereaved family publicly shared the late Kim’s photo and real name, asking people to remember Hyebin. The victim support police officer system was launched on February 12, 2015, to protect crime victims and their families and help them recover quickly from the aftereffects of crime. It provides economic support such as medical expenses, psychological counseling, and court monitoring for victims.

Sergeant Hwang said, "Seeing the victim’s family gather their body and mind and express their gratitude makes me feel the fulfillment and the heavy responsibility of victim protection work." Chief Jo stated, "We will increase visible police patrols so that citizens can live safe and comfortable daily lives and to prevent the recurrence of violent crimes triggered by abnormal motives," and added, "We will continue to do our best to support victims."