[26.02.25] New Victim and 119 Recording in Suyu-dong Serial Murder Case Spur Expanded Probe

Additional Victim and 119 Call Recording Identified in “Suyu-dong Serial Murder” Case

📍Karaoke-bar drugging occurred between first and second crimes; suspect’s “three victims only” claim challenged

New evidence in the so-called “Suyu-dong serial murder” case indicates the suspect drugged an additional man between the first and second known attacks and personally called emergency services afterward. Police are probing escalating drug dosages and the possibility of more victims.

🔹 Additional Victim Identified — “Intermediate Offense” Contradicting Suspect’s Statement
In the so-called “Suyu-dong serial murder” case, investigators have newly confirmed that the female suspect in her 20s, identified only as Kim, allegedly administered a drugged drink to another man in the period between the first and the second crimes. The discovery reveals the existence of an additional victim beyond the three previously known victims, raising the possibility that the crimes were not merely consecutive offenses but may have involved repetitive experimental behavior.

According to a report compiled by CBS NoCut News on the 25th, a man in his 30s (identified as A) suddenly lost consciousness after drinking a hangover-relief beverage given to him by Kim at a karaoke bar in Suyu-dong, Gangbuk District, Seoul, in mid-January. At the time, A had been drinking alone with Kim and stated that he had no memory at all from immediately after consuming the drink.

A later regained consciousness in the same location, but his physical condition was abnormal. He exhibited symptoms of acute central nervous system disturbance, including vomiting and bodily secretions. Emergency responders and police, who were dispatched after a 119 call, provided on-site treatment. Although his condition required medical attention, the incident was not initially recognized as a criminal offense. 

🔹 Between First Survival Case and Second Killing — Possible “Drug Response Testing Phase”
Investigators are particularly focusing on the timing of the incident.
A’s victimization occurred between the first known case and the second fatal case.

■ First victim: December 14 last year, café in Namyangju — lost consciousness but survived
■ A’s case: mid-January, karaoke bar in Suyu-dong — lost consciousness but survived
■ Second victim: January 28, motel in Suyu-dong — deceased

During police questioning, Kim claimed she doubled the dosage only after the first victim regained consciousness and insisted she had administered drugs to only three victims. However, the confirmation of A’s case significantly undermines the credibility of that statement.

Investigators consider this point crucial. Rather than immediately escalating to a lethal attack after the first failed attempt, Kim may have administered drugs to another person in an intermediate stage to observe the drug’s effects and reactions.

Police are therefore examining the possibility that the dosage was not increased all at once but was gradually adjusted while monitoring victims’ responses.

🔹 Direct 119 Call — Signs of Attempted Concealment
Kim’s behavior during A’s incident has also become a key investigative clue.
According to a 119 emergency call transcript obtained by Rep. Yang Bu-nam of the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee, Kim personally called emergency services at 3:35 a.m. on January 24.

During the call, she stated:

“The man I was drinking with won’t wake up because he’s drunk.”
“I met him for the first time today, so I don’t know his address.”

She made no mention of a possible crime.

Paramedics treated A at the scene and he survived. However, when circumstances were later examined, investigators concluded that Kim likely did not voluntarily seek help but called only because she could not leave the scene.

The karaoke bar owner testified that Kim attempted to leave after paying the bill, but staff stopped her because her companion was unconscious. The owner also found the situation suspicious, noting the victim had appeared normal when entering, most of the alcohol remained, and the beverage consumed was low in alcohol content.

Investigators believe this may constitute a staged emergency call intended to avoid responsibility, designed to make the incident appear as simple alcohol intoxication.

🔹 Pre-Crime Searches — Basis for Determining Intent to Kill
Police transferred Kim to prosecutors on the 19th on charges of aggravated injury, violation of the Narcotics Control Act, and murder. A key basis for the murder charge is her online search history prior to the crimes.

Investigators found she repeatedly asked ChatGPT and other sources about:

■ overdose levels of sleeping pills
■ effects of combining sleeping pills with alcohol
■ whether such combinations could cause death

Police concluded that Kim committed the offenses while aware that the drugged beverage could result in death. Therefore, authorities view the act not as mere bodily injury or negligent homicide but as conduct demonstrating at least conditional intent (dolus eventualis), if not near direct intent, leading to the application of a murder charge.

Police are also conducting profiler interviews to analyze motive and psychological traits, while keeping open the possibility of additional victims using the same method.

🔹 Crime Pattern Showing Both Repetition and Planning
The sequence of events currently reveals the following characteristics:

■ Same approach to victims (meeting in nightlife venues → offering drinks)
■ Same administration method (drug mixed into beverages such as hangover remedies)
■ Similar victim reactions (sudden loss of consciousness)
■ Continued offenses after the first victim survived
■ Attempted staging of rescue situations after the crime

Based on these factors, investigators believe the crimes were not impulsive but represent a planned and repetitive criminal pattern. With the confirmation of A’s case, the case is being analyzed beyond a typical serial offense, potentially constituting a learning-behavior crime, in which the offender adjusted methods while continuing the acts.

Police are expanding the investigation by tracking potential additional victims, analyzing movements, communication records, and contacts associated with the suspect.

One-line summary : Police are reexamining the full scope of the Suyu-dong serial murder case after confirming an additional drugging and a 119 call by the suspect.