South Korean Metro Murder: Stalker Turns Killer in Public Toilet
Three years of relentless phone calls, endless texts, and illegal filming finally culminated in a deadly act of revenge on September 14. In a shocking twist, Jeon Joo‑hwan – a former Seoul Metro employee – stalked and later murdered his 28‑year‑old coworker after she rejected his advances.
How It Unfolded
- Jeon’s stalking spree began in 2020: hundreds of calls and incessant messages.
- After the victim reported him, police started an investigation and the case moved to court.
- On the eve of his sentencing, Jeon tracked her down to a subway station’s public restroom and stabbed her to death.
Both had worked at Seoul’s subway operator. Jeon was removed from his duties in October 2021 once police began probing his behavior. A courtroom interview showed him offering a single, chilling apology: “I’m sorry.” He later confessed that his motive stemmed from anger over prosecutors wanting a nine‑year sentence for the earlier stalking charge, saying, “I did something truly crazy.”
National Shock and Consequences
The brutal public‑place murder stoked memories of a similar 2016 case, where a 23‑year‑old was killed near Gangnam station. Public outrage surged, prompting officials to question the effectiveness of the 2021 anti‑stalking law.
Heavily‑charged statements from police and experts acknowledged the crime’s brutality and the suspect’s premeditation.
Legal and Political Reactions
- Lawyer Min Go‑eun, representing the victim, blasted the police and courts for their lack of proactive measures.
- President Yoon Suk‑yeol vowed to strengthen protections for stalking victims and curb such tragedies.
In the aftermath, South Korea is revisiting its legal framework to safeguard those targeted by obsessive stalkers.
This rewrite is a fresh narrative of a tragic event that shook South Korea’s transit community.
