The Chilling Songdo Shooting: A Birthday Turns Deadly in Korea

The Nightmare Birthday Party

Imagine celebrating your father's birthday with your spouse, kids, and a friend, only for it to end in unimaginable horror. That's exactly what happened on July 20, 2025, in the upscale Songdo International City apartment in Incheon. The 62-year-old father, invited by his 30-something son for a family gathering, pulled out a homemade shotgun and fired two shots into his son's chest. The son, who had just stepped out and returned curiously asking what the object was, collapsed in agony, begging for his life as the father fired again.

Emergency services rushed the victim to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after. The daughter-in-law's frantic call to police alerted authorities, who found shotgun shells and pellets at the scene. The father fled in his car, but was arrested just three hours later in Seoul. Can you picture the terror in that high-rise apartment, usually a symbol of modern success?

This incident, rare in gun-strict South Korea, left residents evacuating nearby areas when police discovered explosives at the father's home.

Delving into the Twisted Motive

What drives a father to such an act? Investigations revealed deep-seated resentment. The father had been receiving about 6.4 million won monthly from his ex-wife, a successful CEO of a beauty franchise, and their son for two years after their divorce two decades ago. But when the support suddenly stopped, he spiraled into paranoia, believing they were plotting against him. He meticulously planned the attack, learning to make the gun from online videos and even setting a timer on 15 petrol bombs at his Seoul residence.

During interrogations, he confessed to the murder but denied intending to harm his daughter-in-law, grandchildren, or the foreign acquaintance present. Yet, police added attempted murder charges after witnesses described him chasing them and yelling for them to come out. The family had seemed harmonious that evening, with six people gathered joyfully. How does financial dependence twist into deadly rage? This case highlights the hidden strains in Korean families, where adult children often support aging parents amid high living costs.

Community Shock and Cultural Echoes

Koreans were stunned; online forums and blogs buzzed with disbelief. On Naver and Tistory, netizens shared horror stories, with many commenting on the betrayal of filial piety, a core Korean value. One blogger wrote about the rarity of gun crimes here, calling it a wake-up call for mental health support. Reactions split: some pitied the father's delusion, others condemned him fiercely, with comments like Isn't this the ultimate family breakdown?

Foreign readers, think about how in Korea, divorce stigmas and economic pressures amplify conflicts. Songdo, a futuristic city for expats and professionals, now bears this dark scar. Blogs speculated on the ex-wife's success fueling jealousy, urging society to address generational support gaps. The outpouring of empathy for the young family, left shattered, showed a community grappling with tragedy.

The Road to Justice and Reflections

By October 2025, the trial progressed, with the father partially denying charges in his first hearing on September 21. Prosecutors push for murder and attempted murder convictions, analyzing his phone for planning evidence. Police delved into financial records, confirming the allowance history despite his claims.

This tragedy prompts questions: Could better intervention prevent such escalations? In a nation where guns are taboo, it underscores vulnerabilities in family ties. As the case unfolds, it reminds us that behind closed doors, even in gleaming apartments, pain can erupt violently. What do you think could heal these divides?