National Police Launches Audit Into Inadequate Response to 'Namyangju Stalking Murder'

Victim Under Police Protection Killed Despite Multiple Reports

President Lee Orders Audit After Criticizing "Slow Response"

The police have launched an internal audit into their inadequate response to the stalking and murder case in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.

On the afternoon of March 16, the National Police Agency announced that its Internal Audit Office had begun an investigation into the insufficient police response. A police official explained, "We will swiftly investigate the overall case handling process and take strict action based on the results." The audit began about one hour after President Lee Jaemyung ordered an inspection.

Seodaemun-gu Police Agency, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Previously, on March 14, in Onam-eup, Namyangju, a man in his 40s, identified as Mr. A, who was wearing a location-tracking electronic device (electronic anklet), killed a woman in her 20s. The victim was under police protection. She had filed a report right before the crime, but the police failed to prevent the tragedy, which led to growing criticism over the police's inadequate response.

According to the police, Mr. A, who was wearing the electronic anklet, was under restrictions prohibiting him from approaching within 100 meters of the victim or contacting her via mobile phone or other means. The victim had been issued a smartwatch, but "Provisional Measure 3-2," which triggers an alarm if the perpetrator approaches the victim, was not applied.

It is reported that the victim had contacted the police six times prior to the incident.

Meanwhile, President Lee Jaemyung ordered disciplinary action regarding this case on the same day. President Lee stated, "The response from the relevant authorities was slow and fell far short of public expectations," and called for strict measures against those responsible.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.