TV
SBS 'The Story of That Day' Unveils Shocking Serial Killer Case in Cheongju
The episode aired on the 5th of this month, marking the 214th installment of 'The Story of That Day,' titled 'The First Impression of a Murderer.' The show featured broadcaster Kim Na-young, STAYC's Seeun, and actor Choi Kwang-il as listeners, who followed the shocking connections between three brutal murders and the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl.
The story begins in 2005 in a rural village in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do. A 13-year-old girl, Yoon-ji (alias), who was known for her strong sense of responsibility, disappeared without a trace. Her mother had left home when she was young, and her father lived away from home, leaving her to live with her grandfather. Yoon-ji was a bright and responsible child who spent her time at a local children's center after school.
Her disappearance was linked to a murder that occurred nearby. Two days before Yoon-ji went missing, a woman in her 40s was found brutally murdered in the kitchen of a pub in Cheongju. The excessive violence, including multiple blows to the skull, indicated an 'overkill.' Police identified Kim Yong-won as a suspect after tracing phone records from the pub. Kim had a criminal record, including rape, special theft, and violence, and had disappeared after the pub murder.
As police continued their investigation to apprehend Kim, another of his crimes came to light. It was reported that Kim had killed his cohabiting girlfriend three months earlier and buried her body. The details revealed that he strangled her to death following a drunken argument. What began as a single murder investigation quickly expanded into a potential serial killing case.
A crucial link in Yoon-ji's disappearance was uncovered during the investigation. On the day of the pub murder, Kim was drinking with a hometown acquaintance, who turned out to be Yoon-ji's father. The fact that Kim, whom Yoon-ji affectionately called 'uncle,' was a suspect in the serial killings shocked everyone.
On the day Yoon-ji disappeared, Kim visited her home under the guise of 'uncle.' After he left, Yoon-ji vanished as well. Police believed Kim was involved in her disappearance. Shockingly, Kim pretended to search for Yoon-ji alongside her father and even comforted him, adding to the outrage.
Kim was apprehended a week after the pub murder. During police questioning, he confessed to killing the pub owner. Listener STAYC's Seeun expressed anger, saying, "It's behavior beyond human comprehension." Kim further shocked everyone by stating that he slept next to the body of his murdered girlfriend out of love. Kim Na-young was astounded, calling him "insane."
However, Kim denied involvement in Yoon-ji's disappearance. Police persisted, and after three days of questioning, the truth emerged. Kim had sexually assaulted and killed Yoon-ji, then buried her body. Disturbingly, it wasn't the first time he had assaulted her.
Ten days after her disappearance, Yoon-ji's lifeless body was discovered. Listener Choi Kwang-il expressed anger, stating, "Such a person should not be forgiven." Kim was charged with three counts of murder and sentenced to death in the first trial. His appeals were dismissed, and the sentence was finalized. The case, known as the 'Cheongju Yoo Young-chul Incident,' remains a horrific serial murder case.
Listeners couldn't hold back their tears over Yoon-ji's tragic fate. Kim Na-young wept, saying, "It's heartbreaking. We couldn't protect the child." Seeun expressed disbelief, questioning why so many had to suffer due to one person's emotions. Choi Kwang-il lamented, "Incidents involving children hit harder. How lonely and scared she must have been."
Hosts Jang Hyun-sung, Jang Sung-kyu, and Jang Do-yeon emphasized the need to prevent further tragedies, stating, "Children need protection in our society. We must ensure they can smile brightly."
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr
