On January 4, 2014, performing artist Choi was kidnapped and murdered by hired criminals led by Mr. Lee, under the orchestration of Ms. Lee, Choi's ex-wife and pianist. The crime involved deception, financial disputes, and a complex relationship history including infidelity and divorce. The victim was lured under false pretenses, kidnapped, and killed. The police investigation revealed Ms. Lee's involvement as the instigator, with Mr. Lee and accomplices carrying out the crime. Ms. Lee was sentenced to 13 years in prison, scheduled for release in 2027. The case highlights manipulation, infidelity, and financial motives within a failed intimate relationship.
Country: South Korea
State/Province: None
City/Region: Wonju
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Divorced
Relationship Duration: Approximately 2 years (marriage)
Incident Date: Jan. 4, 2014
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
Approximately 2 years (marriage)
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2014-01-04
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
사건의뢰 · Original language: Korean
Kidnapping and murder of a woman by hired criminals
Infidelity
The case centers on a failed intimate relationship marked by infidelity, deception, and financial disputes. Ms. Lee's repeated betrayals and lies led to marital breakdown and financial obligations, which escalated into a contract killing orchestrated by her. The manipulation and revenge motives reflect a pattern of infidelity-driven domestic conflict culminating in murder.
Police investigation revealed the victim was kidnapped and murdered by hired criminals led by Mr. Lee, who admitted to being hired by Ms. Lee. Communication records from a burner phone linked the suspects to Ms. Lee. Ms. Lee was charged with robbery and manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years in prison. The investigation noted Ms. Lee's refusal to disclose the client if any beyond herself. The case involved detailed interrogation, evidence collection including CCTV footage, and analysis of relationship history and financial disputes.
Initial denial by Mr. Lee about Ms. Lee's involvement; later reversal after Ms. Lee's trial results. Uncertainty about whether others were involved beyond Ms. Lee. Disputed claims about debt relationships between Ms. Lee and Choi. Conflicting narratives about who owed money to whom.
Choi and Ms. Lee met as neighbors in 2009, dated, and married in 2010 without official registration. Ms. Lee engaged in multiple infidelities and financial deception, leading to separation and divorce about two years later. Ms. Lee owed alimony payments to Choi. Unable to recover money, Ms. Lee hired Mr. Lee in November 2013 to coerce repayment, suggesting criminal methods. Mr. Lee recruited accomplices and prepared for the crime. On January 4, 2014, Choi was lured under false pretenses, kidnapped, and murdered during transport. Police arrested the suspects after a high-speed chase. Evidence linked Ms. Lee as the instigator. The case highlights manipulation, infidelity, financial disputes, and revenge as motives.
High risk due to history of infidelity, financial disputes, deception, and escalation to violence culminating in murder. The involvement of hired criminals indicates premeditation and serious threat to victim safety.
Infidelity and financial disputes can escalate to lethal violence when combined with manipulation and revenge motives. Contract killings may involve minimal financial incentives but deep personal grievances. Early detection of manipulative and deceptive behaviors in intimate relationships is critical. Legal consequences for instigators are equivalent to perpetrators under Korean law.
Repeated infidelity, financial deception, and refusal to resolve marital conflicts amicably were key early signals.
Communication records from burner phone, CCTV footage of kidnapping and chase, testimonies of accomplices, and financial dispute evidence helped connect the case.
CCTV footage, phone communication logs, witness reports, and confessions from accomplices were strongest evidence types.
Not reported.
Mr. Lee initially denied Ms. Lee's involvement but later admitted she ordered the killing after her trial results were known.
Whether other clients or conspirators beyond Ms. Lee were involved remains unclear.