"I've Never Seen a Photo Like That. It's So Shocking"... Incheon Knife Attack Suspect's Face Spreads Widely

Incheon Knife Attack Suspect's "'Blood-Soaked'” Face Photo Spreads Online
Widely Shared Without Blurring... Concerns Over Psychological Impact
Personal Information Disclosure Requires Separate Review... Sharing Could Raise Legal Issues

A photo taken when a man in his 50s was arrested for wielding a weapon and injuring several people at a large commercial complex in Incheon is spreading rapidly online. As the image, showing blood on his face and clothes, circulates without any blurring, concerns are growing about the psychological burden on users who are unwillingly exposed to disturbing scenes. With police considering whether to release the suspect’s personal information, some are also calling for a distinction between the public’s right to know about crimes and the legal responsibility that may arise from indiscriminate disclosure of personal information.

Citizens subdue a knife-wielding assailant at a large commercial building in Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, on the 13th. Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency.

Unblurred Photo Spreads Widely... Shocks Users

On the 15th, a photo of suspect A, 59, in the “Incheon knife attack” case, taken when he was arrested by police, was circulating on various online communities and social media platforms (SNS). The photo shows blood on A’s face and clothes as he is held by police officers.

Users who saw the photo reacted with shock, writing, “I’ve never seen a photo covered in blood before,” “It’s so shocking,” “I clicked on it without thinking and was shocked,” and “I’ve never seen a photo this graphic.”

Videos of violent crime scenes have also spread online in the past, sparking controversy. After videos showing suspect Cho Sun’s face and the attack went viral during the knife attack in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, in July 2023, some users said they had suffered psychological distress. Concerns were also raised that videos would autoplay on some platforms, exposing users to graphic scenes against their will.

Personal Information Requires Separate Review... Individuals Could Face Legal Consequences for Sharing It

Police are considering whether to disclose A’s personal information, including his face and real name. They plan to decide whether to release it by considering the seriousness of the crime, the public’s right to know, and the potential to prevent repeat offenses and crime. The decision will be made following a review by the police committee on the disclosure of suspects’ personal information, which consists of internal and external members.

The current Act on the Disclosure of Personal Information of Suspects in Certain Serious Crimes stipulates that disclosure may be permitted when the crime involved cruel methods, caused serious harm, and there is sufficient evidence to believe the suspect committed it. The need to disclose the information in the public interest, including to uphold the public’s right to know and prevent repeat offenses and crime, must also be considered.

Police patrol a public-use facility in Namdong-gu, Incheon, on the 14th, the day after a knife-wielding rampage at a large commercial facility in Incheon. Yonhap News

Individuals who share a suspect’s photo, real name, or other personal information before an official police decision could face legal consequences. Depending on the content of the post and the circumstances, this could lead to a violation of portrait rights or defamation. A police official also urged people to exercise caution when posting, noting that they could face legal liability, including if the suspect’s family raises objections.

10 Victims... Woman Unconscious

The incident occurred at around 1:48 p.m. on October 13 at a large commercial complex in Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon. A was arrested on suspicion of wielding a weapon and injuring visitors. The total number of victims was reported to be 10.

A woman in her 20s was taken to a hospital in cardiac arrest and underwent emergency surgery. Her heartbeat was later restored, but she did not regain consciousness and was reportedly receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.

The suspect committing the crime, captured on CCTV in the building's second-floor dining area. Yonhap News Agency

A is reportedly said to have told police investigators that he chose people who appeared physically weaker than him. He also reportedly claimed that he had no intention of killing anyone and committed the crime to attract public attention. However, further investigation is needed to establish his motive and intent.

A’s criminal history is also under investigation. In 2015, he was sentenced to four years in prison for attempting to murder his former wife, whom he had divorced. After his release, he was reportedly ordered to wear an electronic tracking device for 10 years and placed under probation.

On October 14, police sought a warrant to detain A on suspicion of attempted murder and carrying a weapon in a public place. Police also plan to consider bringing in a profiler to determine whether the suspect’s statements are consistent with the actual circumstances of the crime.

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