Chilling Family Burial Case Explored in 'Hyungsooda 2' Episode

The shocking case of a family being buried alive is set to be unveiled.

On October 20 at 7 PM, the YouTube channel 'Hyungsooda' will release the 33rd episode of the E-channel original web variety show 'Hyungsooda Season 2' (hereafter 'Hyungsooda 2'), featuring former judge turned lawyer Jung Jae-min and Kim Nam-il.

Before delving into the case, the show revisits a 1990 newspaper article with the headline 'Sandlot Rascal Kang Ho-dong,' catching the eye. The article highlights 'National MC' Kang Ho-dong's teenage years and his three consecutive wins as a wrestling champion. Ahn Jung-hwan comments, "Impressive, the photo," while the cast reminisces about Kang Ho-dong's 'wrestling champion' days, with Kwon Il-yong humorously noting, "But calling Kang Ho-dong a 'rascal' is a bit much," reflecting on his different teenage years.

How Did the 1990 Gangneung Family Burial Case Occur?

This episode is part of the 'Execution Talk' series, which discusses stories of executed criminals in South Korea. Kwon Il-yong and Jung Jae-min introduce the gruesome case of a family of four being buried alive, stating, "We didn't realize how big this case would become when we first pursued the criminals."

The 'criminals of the day' are Yoon Yong-pil and Oh Tae-hwan, both 31 at the time of the crime and close friends since middle school, each with six prior convictions. They were joined by Lee Sung-jun, who had eight prior convictions and was recently released from prison, and his girlfriend Shim Hye-sook. The case began in 1990 in Gangneung when a villager reported finding a newlywed couple tied to a pine tree, bleeding. It was revealed that the victims were kidnapped while taking nightscape photos during their honeymoon. The perpetrators injured the victims, stole cash, jewelry, and their car, and fled.

How Were the Accomplices Apprehended?

A witness recalled the car's license plate number, leading to the identification of Lee Sung-jun as the person who rented the vehicle. As the car was being tracked, a traffic accident in Incheon revealed the accomplices' identities. A couple in the offending vehicle fled upon seeing the police, leaving behind Oh Tae-hwan's vehicle registration, a gas gun purchased by Yoon Yong-pil, and a bankbook belonging to a woman in her 20s from Daejeon. The car had a stolen license plate from the newlyweds.

Nine days after the hit-and-run, another suspicious report came from Daejeon. The caller reported that her friend was invited to Jirisan by her boyfriend and his friends, but she sensed something was wrong during a call and suspected coercion. A stakeout at the meeting point led to the arrival of two vehicles. Oh Tae-hwan and Shim Hye-sook, Lee Sung-jun's girlfriend, exited one vehicle. They resisted but were eventually arrested, while Yoon Yong-pil and Lee Sung-jun in the other vehicle attempted to flee, even after being shot at by police.

What Was the Key Evidence Revealing the Burial?

The real horror began when the trunk of their vehicle revealed two shovels with fresh soil, ropes, scissors, and soil-stained socks. Under interrogation, Oh Tae-hwan and Shim Hye-sook confessed, "We buried a family alive last night," shocking everyone. Kim Nam-il expressed outrage at the perpetrators' brutality, saying, "Is this something humans can do?" Ahn Jung-hwan added, "This is truly a case that would make anyone faint," unable to continue speaking. The full story of why the criminals buried the family alive and the whereabouts of the two fugitives can be discovered in 'Hyungsooda 2'.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr

Related Topics: Hyungsooda 2, E-channel, Execution, Gangneung Case, Burial