The Hwaseong serial murders represent one of South Korea’s most infamous and enduring criminal investigations. Between 1986 and 1991, 10 women were found brutally raped and murdered in the rural town of Hwaseong. The case went cold for decades but was finally ‘solved’ in 2019, although the murderer avoided prosecution due to the statute of limitations.
Timeline of Crimes
1986
- September: The first victim, a 71-year-old woman, was found raped and murdered.
1987
- January to July: Three more women, ranging in ages from 14 to 29, were found killed in the same gruesome manner. The authorities realized they had a serial killer on their hands.
1990
- March to September: Five additional murders occurred in a span of six months. The panic was palpable. Local newspapers quoted police officials: “We are dealing with a calculated killer who knows how to avoid capture.”
1991
- April: The 10th and final victim was discovered, but no suspects were arrested, and the case went cold.
Police Investigation and Public Frenzy
Massive Manpower
The Korean government deployed over two million police officers to solve the case, a number unheard of at the time.
The Gag Order
Due to escalating media frenzy, a gag order was issued to control speculation. The police were criticized for this decision, with the media claiming it hampered public awareness and involvement.
False Leads and Discredited Suspects
Use of Psychics and Shamans
In desperation, some investigators even turned to psychics and shamans. As reported by the Korean Times, “Solving this case has become a matter of national importance, leading to unconventional methods.”
Yoon, the Wrong Man
A man named Yoon was convicted for one of the murders, serving 20 years before being exonerated in 2019. His plight was extensively covered, with Yoon himself stating in interviews, “I became a victim of this monstrous crime.”
Breakthrough in 2019
DNA Evidence
In September 2019, Lee Choon-jae confessed to the murders after his DNA matched samples from the crime scenes. However, he was never prosecuted for these crimes due to the statute of limitations.
Lee’s Confession
In his confession, Lee provided chilling details about the murders. The public’s reaction was mixed. Some felt relief, while others were anguished that he would never stand trial for these crimes.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Movie
The case inspired the critically acclaimed movie Memories of Murder directed by Bong Joon-ho. “This film is a social critique, as much as it is a thriller,” Bong said in interviews.
Enduring Fascination
Even decades later, the case holds a haunting fascination for the Korean public. Forums and documentaries continue to dissect every detail, with one commentator in the Korean Herald noting, “This is a wound that never fully heals.”
The Hwaseong serial murders case remains an unsettling chapter in South Korea’s criminal history. Although a confession finally provided some answers, the lack of legal closure and the decades of torment for the victims’ families leave it as a grim, unsatisfying enigma.