The suspect in the fatal shooting incident in Songdo, identified as 62-year-old A, allegedly committed the crime the day before his son B, 33, and his family were scheduled to depart for the United States. This timing has raised suspicions of a premeditated act fueled by deep-seated revenge.
According to investigative reports compiled on July 22, B hosted a birthday dinner for his father A on the evening of July 20 at his apartment in Songdo, Incheon. B, along with his wife and two children, was scheduled to fly to the United States the following day. During the gathering, A fatally shot his son using a homemade firearm which he had constructed himself. B’s wife and children, who were present at the time of the incident, were also preparing to travel with him.
A’s ex-wife C, a well-known skincare company CEO in her 60s, was reportedly on a business trip to the United States at the time. While it remains unconfirmed whether B’s family was traveling to meet her, the timing has fueled speculation that the murder may have stemmed from lingering resentment toward A’s ex-wife. A cited only "family conflict" as his motive in police statements.
A police official stated, “A has not provided any detailed explanation regarding his motive, and no statements have yet been taken from the family.”
The fatal shooting occurred around 9:31 p.m. on July 20. B was rushed to a hospital but died around 11 p.m. due to internal injuries caused by gunshot wounds, according to preliminary autopsy findings. Investigators later found improvised explosive devices, including PET bottles filled with flammable liquid, at A’s residence in Ssangmun-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul. The devices had been rigged with a timer set to ignite at noon on July 21.
Experts in criminal psychology believe the case reflects a meticulously planned crime possibly driven by long-harbored vengeance against A’s former spouse. Professor Lee Yoon Ho of Dongguk University’s Department of Police Administration said, “The suspect had purchased live ammunition long ago and had materials for multiple homemade guns. This indicates a high likelihood of premeditation. Further investigation is needed to determine whether B was the intended target.”
Professor Lee added, “A has likely been accumulating anger toward his ex-wife, his family, and society as a whole. The installation of explosives at his home suggests his intent to extend harm beyond a single act.”
Professor Oh Yoon Sung of Soonchunhyang University expressed similar views during an interview on CBS Radio’s 'Kim Hyun Jung’s News Show.' He said, “From the suspect’s perspective, the act may have been driven by feelings of helplessness, inferiority, anger, and jealousy. By killing his son on his own birthday after being invited to the celebration, he seems to have chosen the most dramatic way to express his desire for revenge.”
Authorities have deployed a criminal profiler to further investigate A’s motives. They are also considering whether to convene a Personal Information Disclosure Deliberation Committee, though the likelihood of publicly revealing A’s identity remains low due to the familial nature of the case.
A has been formally charged with murder, violation of the Firearms and Explosives Control Act, and attempted arson of an inhabited building. He chose not to attend his detention warrant hearing at the Incheon District Court.
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