Korean police won't release personal information of suspect in ”Japanese sword murder” case due to ”concerns over secondary victimization”

South Korean police are likely not to release the personal information of a man named Baek (37), who is suspected of brandishing a Japanese sword in an apartment building and killing a neighbor.
The Seoul National Police Agency said on the 2nd that it was not considering holding a formal information disclosure review committee for Baek, who is under investigation for murder.
On the 29th of last month, at around 11:27 pm, Baek was near an apartment building in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, brandishing a 75cm-long Japanese sword and shooting a man living in the same apartment building.
He is suspected of murdering a Korean man named Kim (43). A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency source said, "There is a lack of objectively confirmed evidence, such as a diagnosis of whether the suspect had a mental illness."
"We were also considering the possibility of secondary harm to family members, as Baek lived in the same apartment building," the police said. A simple drug test on Baek came back negative.
A detailed evaluation has been requested. The police have not been able to find any evidence to suggest that Baek had a history of mental illness. However, based on Baek's statements and behavior, it is believed that he may have a mental illness.
Therefore, the company is taking the position that it will carefully consider whether or not to disclose personal information.