Kim Seongho Transferred for Bucheon Gold Shop Robbery-Murder... Scouted Other Shops Before Crime

Robbery-Murder and Attempted Robbery Charges

Kim Seongho (42), who killed a female shop owner and stole valuables from a gold and jewelry shop in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, before fleeing, has been handed over to the prosecution while in custody. As it was found that he had scouted several gold and jewelry shops prior to the crime, he has also been charged with attempted robbery.

Suspect in Bucheon robbery-murder case. Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency

On January 23, Bucheon Wonmi Police Station in Gyeonggi Province announced that Kim had been referred to the prosecution in custody on charges of robbery-murder and attempted robbery.

Kim is accused of stabbing and killing a female shop owner in her 50s, identified as Ms. A, at a gold and jewelry shop in Wonmi-gu, Bucheon, at around 12:07 p.m. on January 15. He then stole more than 40 pieces of jewelry worth approximately 20 million won and 2 million won in cash before fleeing the scene.

Kim is also suspected of scouting two gold and jewelry shops in Seoul and Incheon on January 14, the day before the crime, to select a target location.

After committing the crime, he changed into a suit he had prepared in advance and fled by taking multiple taxis, but was apprehended by police on a street in Jongno-gu, Seoul, about five hours later.

During his escape, Kim sold the stolen jewelry at several gold and jewelry shops. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of the weapon used in the crime, cash, and his passport.

It has been reported that Kim stated during police questioning that he committed the crime because he was heavily in debt.

Meanwhile, on January 20, the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency held a personal information disclosure review committee and decided to release Kim’s face, name, age, and other personal details. The committee explained that this decision was made to prevent similar crimes at gold and jewelry shops and to raise public awareness.