← Back to South Korea casesPark Ji-young and Park Ji-young's Husband Allegedly Kidnapped by Kim Su-hwan, Tongyeong, South Korea
Case Summary
On May 5, 2023, Kim Su-hwan, a 54-year-old man with a violent criminal record, stabbed Park Ji-young's husband multiple times in their Tongyeong apartment, resulting in the husband's death. Park Ji-young and Kim Su-hwan were in an extramarital affair, and the husband had refused divorce despite ongoing conflicts. After the stabbing, Kim kidnapped Park Ji-young and fled, but was arrested after a four-hour police chase. The case involved jealousy, relationship conflict, and impulsive violence. Kim was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2023.
Basic Information
Country: South Korea
State/Province: None
City/Region: Tongyeong
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Extramarital relationship
Relationship Duration: Approximately 7 months
Incident Date: May 5, 2023
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Friends circle
- Met on social media
Relationship Stages:
- Dating
- Living Together without Marriage
- Separated
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Cheating / Infidelity
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
Red Flags:
- Sudden change in routine or habits
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Threats
- Stalking / Repeated Harassment
- Suicidal Ideation
- Firearm Access / Concerning Weapon Behavior
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Motives:
- Revenge
- Jealousy
- Eliminate romantic rival
Relationship Outcomes:
- Homicide before divorce
- Arrest made
- Investigation still ongoing
- Deadbody recovery
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Friends circle
- Met on social media
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Extramarital relationship
Approximately 7 months
Stages
- Dating
- Living Together without Marriage
- Separated
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Sudden change in routine or habits
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Threats
- Stalking / Repeated Harassment
- Suicidal Ideation
- Firearm Access / Concerning Weapon Behavior
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Cheating / Infidelity
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
- Revenge
- Jealousy
- Eliminate romantic rival
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2023-05-05
Outcome
- Homicide before divorce
- 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.
Park Ji-young and Park Ji-young's Husband Allegedly Kidnapped by Kim Su-hwan, Tongyeong, South Korea
사건의뢰 · Original language: Korean
View original title
[치정] 질투심이 부른 어긋난 사랑
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Jealousy
Pattern Analysis
The case centers on a jealous lover who violently attacked the husband of his mistress after prolonged conflict involving infidelity and refusal to divorce. The perpetrator's impulsive aggression escalated to murder and kidnapping, reflecting a pattern of jealousy-driven domestic violence with coercive control elements.
Investigative Notes
Police responded promptly to the 112 call and coordinated a multi-agency pursuit. CCTV footage was crucial in identifying the suspect and tracking his movements. The suspect was arrested within four hours after fleeing with the victim's wife. The suspect was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2023. The victim's wife was also a victim of kidnapping and confinement. The investigation highlighted the importance of rapid response to domestic violence incidents involving weapons.
Investigation Confusion
Initial confusion arose because the 112 caller (the wife) and the suspect were absent at the crime scene, leaving only the stabbed husband. The suspect's identity was confirmed through CCTV and vehicle tracking. The exact details of phone call exchanges between the suspect and victim remain unconfirmed due to the victim's death.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Park Ji-young began an affair with Kim Su-hwan in October 2022. She was in ongoing conflict with her husband, who refused divorce. Kim Su-hwan, with a violent past, became jealous and angry over Park's indecision and continued contact with her husband. On May 3, 2023, Kim assaulted Park. On May 4, Park reconciled with her husband, agreeing to live together. On May 5, Kim, intoxicated and enraged, drove to Tongyeong, stabbed the husband multiple times, and kidnapped Park. Police tracked and arrested Kim after a four-hour chase. The husband died from his injuries around 11:40 p.m. on May 5.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to perpetrator's violent history, impulsive aggression, and possession of weapons. The offender's prior murder conviction and recent parole increase the risk of reoffending. The quick police response mitigated further harm.
Key Takeaways
Affairs involving individuals with violent histories can escalate rapidly to lethal violence. Jealousy and unresolved relationship conflicts are significant risk factors. Rapid police response and use of CCTV and vehicle tracking can prevent further harm. Victims of extramarital relationships may also suffer secondary victimization such as kidnapping and confinement.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
Repeated calls from the suspect to both the victim and mistress, violent behavior during a prior assault on the mistress, and the suspect's criminal history were early warning signs.
Which clues helped connect the case?
CCTV footage showing the suspect dragging the mistress, vehicle tracking via toll gates, and phone call records helped connect the suspect to the crime.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
CCTV recordings, autopsy reports detailing stab wounds, phone call logs, and vehicle license plate tracking were the strongest evidence types.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Not reported.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Follow-up reports confirmed the suspect's arrest, the victim's death, and the suspect's life sentence. No additional follow-up information was available.
What remained unclear?
Exact content of phone calls between suspect and victim remains unconfirmed. The psychological state of the mistress and her role in the relationship dynamics require further exploration.