Police in Daejeon said they decided to disclose the mugshot of Myung Jae-wan online for about a month after reviewing the case the previous day, given the heinous nature of the crime.
Under South Korean law, police can disclose personal information only when there is clear evidence linking a suspect to a crime or if the criminal has confessed. Suspects also have the right to have their face and personal details withheld until they are found guilty in a court of law.
Myung, who has suffered from depression and other mental health issues, allegedly stabbed the 8-year-old student at an elementary school in Daejeon on Feb. 10. The crime has sparked public outrage and led to calls for stronger security measures to ensure school safety.
Police also revealed that preliminary investigations showed Myung had searched for weapons or murder-related information online before the crime, suggesting that she targeted a victim to express her anger stemming from domestic disputes, work-related grievances, and other complaints.
A crime involving the murder of a child under the age of 13 could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment in South Korea.
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