Identity Disclosure Decision for 'Songpa Mother-in-Law Killer' Today... Security Tightened Ahead of Halloween

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Go Beomseok Holds Briefing on Oct. 19
Comprehensive Review of More Than 8,500 Relationship-Related Crime Cases

A decision on whether to disclose the identity of the suspect in the Songpa mother-in-law murder and wife kidnapping case will be made on the afternoon of October 19. Police are also launching a comprehensive review of crimes involving personal relationships and stepping up special security measures in crowded areas.

A man in his mid-20s, identified as A, who is accused of murdering his mother-in-law and kidnapping his wife amid divorce proceedings, appears at the Seoul Eastern District Court in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on Oct. 13 for a pre-arrest warrant hearing. Oct. 13, 2026. Yonhap News

Go Beomseok, Chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, held a regular press briefing on the morning of October 19 and outlined responses to recent major violent crimes and public safety issues.

Go said the committee reviewing the disclosure of the suspect's personal information would meet at 2 p.m. on October 19 to consider whether to disclose the identity of the suspect, who was arrested on suspicion of murdering his mother-in-law and kidnapping his wife in Songpa-gu, Seoul.

The committee's decision is expected to be announced immediately after the meeting. Police said they would "carefully consider the matter, including the views of the bereaved family."

The suspect was arrested on October 13 on charges of murdering a lineal ascendant and special confinement. The victim, his wife, is currently receiving hospital treatment. Police said they are "coordinating with medical staff to determine whether she can be questioned."

Amid growing concern over a series of recent violent crimes and crimes involving personal relationships, such as stalking and domestic violence, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency will begin a comprehensive review of such cases on October 19, continuing through the end of October. The agency is expected to review about 8,500 cases.

Go said, "We will conduct thorough reviews under the supervision of district police chiefs and do our utmost to prevent victimization in crimes involving personal relationships," adding that the review is "a process to check whether anything was overlooked in providing protective measures."

Go Beomseok, Chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency

As public anxiety has grown following the knife attack in Incheon, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is conducting a special safety campaign at crowded venues and significantly increasing visible patrols.

Go said, "There are concerns about copycat and similar crimes following violent incidents, so we need to proactively establish control," adding, "We suspended riot police training and deployed officers to support public safety so that citizens can see more police officers on the ground."

He said that ahead of Halloween, the agency is conducting joint safety inspections with local governments in areas expected to draw large crowds, including Itaewon and Hongdae, and is directly inspecting locations with local police stations to prepare the necessary support.

Go said, "Crowds are expected to be especially large this week and next week," adding, "We will hold countermeasure meetings and provide active support where needed to prevent crowd-related accidents from happening again."

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