← Back to South Korea casesVietnamese woman and 14-year-old stepson Allegedly Murdered by Lee, Wonju, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Case Summary
On June 7, 2020, in Munmak, Wonju, Gangwon-do, a 42-year-old man named Lee allegedly murdered his ex-wife, a 37-year-old Vietnamese migrant woman, and her 14-year-old son, who was his stepson. The ex-husband stabbed and bludgeoned the boy to death early in the morning, waited for the woman to return from work, attacked and killed her, then set fire to the apartment to cover up the crime. The man attempted to escape but was trapped by an explosion and later died after jumping from the 6th floor with the unconscious woman. The case revealed prior murder conviction of the suspect from 1999. The incident involved family conflict, economic difficulties, and divorce six days prior. The insurance money dispute following the deaths led to a Supreme Court ruling in 2025. The case highlighted societal issues including discrimination against immigrant women in Korea.
Basic Information
Country: South Korea
State/Province: None
City/Region: Wonju
Incident Type: Family Homicide
Relationship Status: Divorced
Relationship Duration: Approximately 14 years (marriage)
Incident Date: June 7, 2020
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Family introduction
- Arranged marriage
Relationship Stages:
- Married Living Together
- Married Living Separately
- Love Marriage
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Financial Issues
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
Red Flags:
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Threats
- Stalking / Repeated Harassment
- Firearm Access / Concerning Weapon Behavior
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Motives:
- Revenge
- Control/domination
Relationship Outcomes:
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide before divorce
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Investigation still ongoing
- Deadbody recovery
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Family introduction
- Arranged marriage
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Divorced
Approximately 14 years (marriage)
Stages
- Married Living Together
- Married Living Separately
- Love Marriage
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Threats
- Stalking / Repeated Harassment
- Firearm Access / Concerning Weapon Behavior
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Financial Issues
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
- Revenge
- Control/domination
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2020-06-07
Outcome
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide before divorce
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Investigation still ongoing
- Deadbody recovery
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Vietnamese woman and 14-year-old stepson Allegedly Murdered by Lee, Wonju, Gangwon-do, South Korea
김복준의 사건속으로 · Original language: Korean
View original title
[국내 살인사건 분석 61화] - 눈이 마주치자마자 6층에서 뛰어내린 그놈! // 문막 살인 방화사건
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Domestic Violence
Pattern Analysis
The case involves a domestic violence pattern escalating from economic difficulties and frequent conflicts leading to divorce. The ex-husband committed a premeditated murder of his ex-wife and stepson, followed by arson. The violence was brutal and planned, reflecting deep-seated resentment and control issues post-divorce.
Investigative Notes
Police investigation confirmed the ex-husband as the perpetrator through CCTV and forensic evidence. The sequence of events was reconstructed showing premeditation. The suspect died from injuries sustained during the incident, ending prosecution. Police also investigated a leak of official secrets by a detective, leading to disciplinary action. The insurance money dispute was resolved by the Supreme Court in 2025.
Investigation Confusion
Initial confusion about the timing of the fire and murders was clarified by forensic and CCTV evidence. Early assumptions of accidental fire or murder-suicide were corrected to planned murder and arson. The suspect's stab wound initially raised questions about suicide attempts but was attributed to resistance during the attack.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
The ex-husband entered the apartment at 1 a.m. when only the stepson was home, killed him with stabbing and blunt force, waited for the ex-wife to return at 5:30 a.m., attacked and killed her, then left to retrieve gasoline containers from his car. He returned, poured gasoline to set fire to the apartment to cover evidence, but an explosion trapped him. Upon firefighters' arrival, he grabbed the unconscious woman and jumped from the 6th floor. All three died. The suspect had a prior murder conviction from 1999.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to prior violent history, recent divorce, economic stress, and escalation to lethal violence. The suspect's prior murder conviction and deliberate planning indicate significant danger.
Key Takeaways
Economic stress and divorce can escalate to lethal domestic violence, especially with a history of violence. Premeditation is indicated by bringing weapons and accelerants. The case highlights the vulnerability of immigrant women and the need to address societal discrimination. Official secrecy breaches during investigations can complicate proceedings.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
Frequent violent conflicts and fights due to economic failure, recent divorce finalized six days before the incident, and the suspect's prior murder conviction were key early signals.
Which clues helped connect the case?
CCTV footage showing the suspect entering the apartment early, forensic evidence of stabbing and blunt force trauma, and the timing of the fire and attacks helped connect the case.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
Forensic autopsy findings, CCTV recordings, and witness statements from firefighters were the strongest evidence types.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Firefighters reported eye contact with the suspect upon entering, observed the suspect grabbing the unconscious woman and jumping from the balcony. Neighbors reported frequent loud fights and furniture breaking noises. Police statements included investigation of CCTV and forensic results.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Initial reports suggested the fire caused deaths or a murder-suicide, but later forensic and CCTV evidence clarified it was a planned murder and arson. The order of events regarding gasoline introduction was revised. The suspect's prior murder conviction was revealed post-incident, changing public perception.
What remained unclear?
Exact motive details remain unclear beyond economic conflict and divorce. The suspect's intent regarding suicide remains uncertain. The full extent of domestic abuse history is not detailed.