← Back to South Korea casesJeong-si Injured in Alleged Murder Attempt by Jeon Si, Mr. Ha, and others, Gwangju, South Korea
Case Summary
In August 2001, Jeong-si, a 51-year-old owner of a gold shop in Gwangju, South Korea, was reported missing by his wife Jeon Si. Investigations revealed Jeon Si had an extramarital affair with Mr. Ha, a nightclub owner, to whom she lent 200 million won. Jeon Si allegedly hired Mr. Ha and accomplices Wi and Kim Won-tu to murder her husband. The victim was kidnapped, stabbed multiple times, and his body was tied with stones and submerged underwater. The police investigation uncovered a failed prior attempt to disguise the murder as a traffic accident involving Kim Won. The suspects were arrested within 14 days, with Jeon Si confessing to ordering the murder and paying a deposit. The case was classified as a contract killing motivated by marital discord and financial issues.
Basic Information
Country: South Korea
State/Province: None
City/Region: Gwangju
Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Married
Relationship Duration: Approximately 28 years
Incident Date: Aug. 22, 2001
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Arranged marriage
Relationship Stages:
- Married Living Together
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Cheating / Infidelity
- Financial Issues
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
Red Flags:
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Threats
- Firearm Access / Concerning Weapon Behavior
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Motives:
- Revenge
- Eliminate spouse
- Jealousy
Relationship Outcomes:
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Investigation still ongoing
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Arranged marriage
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Married
Approximately 28 years
Stages
- Married Living Together
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Threats
- Firearm Access / Concerning Weapon Behavior
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Cheating / Infidelity
- Financial Issues
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
- Revenge
- Eliminate spouse
- Jealousy
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2001-08-22
Outcome
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Investigation still ongoing
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Jeong-si Injured in Alleged Murder Attempt by Jeon Si, Mr. Ha, and others, Gwangju, South Korea
김복준의 사건속으로 · Original language: Korean
View original title
[국내 살인사건 분석 22화] - 광주 금은방 주인 청부 살인사건
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Jealousy
Pattern Analysis
The case involves a marital relationship marked by infidelity and financial disputes. The wife, involved in an extramarital affair, allegedly orchestrated a contract killing of her husband to eliminate him and possibly gain financially. The involvement of multiple accomplices and a failed prior murder attempt indicate escalation and planning within the domestic conflict.
Investigative Notes
The police treated the initial missing person report with caution due to the victim's occupation and lack of runaway motive. Phone records and witness statements revealed the wife's affair and financial dealings. The discovery of the body tied with stones underwater confirmed homicide. The investigation identified multiple suspects through call records and location tracking. Two suspects were arrested early, with the third initially fleeing but later captured. The wife confessed after arrest. The case was resolved within 14 days with commendations to the investigative team.
Investigation Confusion
Initial ambiguity about the missing person's status as runaway or crime victim. The wife's alibi complicated direct suspicion. The involvement of multiple suspects required careful coordination. The mastermind's denial and conflicting testimonies posed challenges. The fleeing suspect delayed full resolution.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
The wife, Jeon Si, having an affair with Mr. Ha and lending him a large sum, conspired to kill her husband Jeong-si. After a failed attempt to disguise the murder as a traffic accident involving Kim Won, the conspirators kidnapped Jeong-si during his regular exercise, stabbed him, and disposed of his body in the sea weighted with stones. Phone and location data linked the suspects. Arrests and confessions followed, confirming the contract killing ordered by the wife.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to infidelity, financial strain, and escalation to lethal violence. The presence of contract killing and multiple accomplices indicates significant premeditation and danger within the relationship.
Key Takeaways
Marital infidelity combined with financial disputes can escalate to contract killings. Thorough investigation of missing persons, especially with suspicious circumstances, is critical. Phone records and location data are vital in linking suspects. Early cooperation of accomplices can aid in resolving complex cases.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
The lack of a plausible runaway motive, the wife's affair and large loan to her lover, and suspicious phone call patterns were early signals.
Which clues helped connect the case?
Phone records showing frequent calls between wife, lover, and accomplices; location data placing suspects near victim during disappearance; witness sightings of suspects at key locations.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
Luminol blood detection in suspect's vehicle, DNA matching victim, phone call and location records, witness identifications.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Witnesses confirmed seeing suspects near the sports park where the victim exercised. Merchants and acquaintances provided information about the wife's affair and financial dealings. Workers discovered the body and reported it.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Follow-up investigations revealed the failed prior murder attempt disguised as a traffic accident and the fleeing suspect's location, leading to full case resolution.
What remained unclear?
Exact sentencing details remain unclear. The full extent of the victim's knowledge about the wife's financial dealings is uncertain.