Man identified as 59-year-old Choi Chung-rak
South Korean police on Friday revealed the identity of the assailant in Incheon who seriously injured eight people in a knife attack on Tuesday.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency disclosed the suspect’s name, age and photos on its website, identifying him as Choi Chung-rak, 59. The information will remain public until Nov. 16.
The move comes after a seven-member police review panel unanimously approved the disclosure, citing the brutality of the attack, the serious harm it caused and sufficient evidence against Choi.
Choi, 59, is alleged to have attacked shoppers with knives strapped to both hands at around 1:40 p.m. as he rode an escalator between the second basement level, which houses a Homeplus supermarket, and the second floor, according to Namdong Police Station.
Ten people were attacked in the incident, with eight left injured, including a 19-year-old woman who remains unconscious. The other two were practically unharmed.
Choi told investigators he was angry with a hospital where he had been treated for a skin condition. He said the hospital had also reported him to police, leading to an investigation, and claimed the attack was to draw media attention to his complaint.
Choi reportedly has 10 prior convictions resulting in fines or heavier penalties, including two for attempted murder.
junheee@heraldcorp.com