Jewelry Store Owner Murdered in Bucheon... Personal Information of '42-Year-Old Kim Seongho' Disclosed

"Personal Information Disclosed to Prevent Recurrence of Similar Crimes"

The personal information of Kim Seongho (42), who was arrested on charges of robbery and murder after killing a female jewelry store owner in broad daylight and stealing valuables, has been made public.

On January 20, the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency held a personal information disclosure review committee, which included four external members from the legal and academic fields and three police officials at the superintendent level, making a total of seven participants. The committee decided to release Kim Seongho's face, name, age, and other personal information. The committee stated that the reason for disclosure was to prevent the recurrence of similar crimes at jewelry stores and to raise public awareness.

The Act on Disclosure of Personal Information of Suspects of Specific Serious Crimes (Serious Crimes Personal Information Disclosure Act) stipulates that personal information may be disclosed if: ▲ the method of the crime is cruel and resulted in serious damage; ▲ there is sufficient evidence to believe the suspect committed the crime; ▲ it is necessary for public interest, such as guaranteeing the public's right to know, preventing recidivism, and crime prevention.

Personal information of Kim Seongho. Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency website

According to the law, the disclosed information must include a recent photo taken within 30 days and related details, which are to be posted on the police website for 30 days. Accordingly, Kim Seongho's personal information will be posted on the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency website from this day until February 19.

Previously, on January 15 at approximately 12:07 p.m., Kim Seongho allegedly stabbed and killed a female owner in her 50s at a jewelry store in Wonmi-gu, Bucheon, with a weapon, then stole around 40 pieces of jewelry (worth about 20 million won) and 2 million won in cash before fleeing. After the crime, he changed into a suit he had prepared in advance and escaped by taking multiple taxis, but was apprehended by police about five hours later on a street in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

During his escape, Kim Seongho sold the stolen jewelry at several jewelry stores, and at the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of the weapon used in the crime, cash, and his passport. During police questioning, he reportedly stated that he committed the crime because he was heavily in debt.