Daegu Stalking Victim Murder: Suspect Arrested in Sejong After Four-Day Manhunt

The Shocking Incident: Stalking Victim Killed Despite Police Protection

Did you know that a woman in her 50s, under active police protection due to stalking threats, was brutally murdered in her Daegu apartment? On June 10, 2025, at around 3:30 a.m., the victim was found stabbed by a former partner who had previously threatened her. The suspect, a man in his 40s, managed to enter her sixth-floor apartment by climbing a gas pipe, evading the AI-powered facial recognition CCTV installed by the police. The murder weapon was not recovered, and there were no signs of theft, pointing directly to a targeted crime. This incident has sent shockwaves through Korean society, especially among those concerned about the effectiveness of current victim protection measures.

How Did the Suspect Evade Capture for Four Days?

After the crime, the suspect fled Daegu, traveling over 180 kilometers to Sejong City. He used a car and later switched to a taxi, eventually hiding near a friend’s warehouse in Jochiwon-eup, Sejong. The police launched a massive manhunt, mobilizing drones, police dogs, and hundreds of officers to search the hills and rural areas where he was last seen. The suspect reportedly rode around on a motorcycle without a license plate to avoid detection. Despite the intense search, it took four days before he was finally apprehended late at night on June 14, without resistance.

Failures in the System: Why Was the Suspect Not Detained Earlier?

One of the most controversial aspects of this case is the fact that the suspect had a documented history of violence against the victim. Just a month before the murder, he had threatened her with a weapon and was under investigation for violating Korea’s Stalking Crime Penalty Act. The police had requested an arrest warrant, but the court denied it, citing that the suspect was cooperating with the investigation. This decision has drawn fierce criticism from the public and advocacy groups, who argue that the justice system failed to prioritize the victim’s safety. Many are now questioning whether Korea’s legal framework is adequate to protect stalking victims.

Community and Online Reactions: Outrage and Calls for Reform

The case has ignited heated discussions across major Korean online communities like Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21. Comments are overwhelmingly critical of both the police and the judiciary. On Theqoo, users expressed disbelief that advanced AI CCTV was rendered useless by such a simple tactic as climbing a gas pipe. Nate Pann and DC Inside were flooded with posts demanding stricter laws and accountability from judges who deny warrants in stalking cases. Some users on Naver pointed out that this tragedy mirrors previous high-profile stalking murders, suggesting that lessons have not been learned. A few comments, however, called for more balanced reporting and cautioned against blaming individual officers for systemic failures.

Cultural Context: Why Stalking Remains a Major Issue in Korea

For international readers, it’s important to understand that stalking-related violence has become a pressing social issue in Korea, especially after several notorious cases in recent years. Despite legislative changes, many victims still struggle to receive effective protection, and the burden of proof for preemptive detention remains high. The use of AI-based surveillance is relatively new, and while it offers some promise, this case demonstrates its limitations against determined offenders. Korean society is also grappling with changing attitudes toward privacy, gender-based violence, and the role of the judiciary in preventing repeat offenses.

Media and Blog Coverage: Widespread Criticism and Emotional Responses

Korean news outlets like Maeil Kyungje, The Korea Herald, Seoul Shinmun, and KBC Gwangju have provided extensive coverage, highlighting both the technical aspects of the investigation and the emotional impact on the victim’s family. Popular Naver and Tistory blogs have echoed public frustration, with many posts focusing on the perceived indifference of the courts and the inadequacy of police protection. Bloggers have also shared personal stories of stalking and called for solidarity among women. Some posts have gone viral, sparking petitions for legislative reform and demanding harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

What’s Next? Legal and Social Implications

The suspect has been transported back to Daegu, where he faces murder charges. Police have promised a thorough investigation into the suspect’s motives and the failures that led to the tragedy. Lawmakers are under pressure to revisit Korea’s stalking laws and the criteria for preemptive detention. Meanwhile, advocacy groups are organizing rallies and online campaigns to keep the issue in the public eye. This case is likely to serve as a catalyst for broader debates about victim protection, judicial accountability, and the use of technology in crime prevention.

What Can International Readers Learn from This Tragedy?

This incident is a stark reminder that technology alone cannot guarantee safety, especially when legal and systemic safeguards are lacking. It also highlights the importance of public vigilance and the power of online communities in demanding justice and reform. For those interested in Korean society, the case offers a window into ongoing struggles with gender-based violence, the limitations of the legal system, and the evolving role of digital activism.