Pure Evil: South Korea’s 2014 Daegu Apartment Murders

The Daegu Apartment Murder Case of May 19, 2014, is a notorious event in South Korean criminal history, marked by its brutality and the rare imposition of the death penalty, at a time when such sentences were becoming increasingly uncommon. The perpetrator, Jang Jae-jin, a college student and former marine, was convicted for the calculated and horrific murder of his ex-girlfriend Kwon’s parents and for the assault and imprisonment of Kwon herself.

Background of the Crime

The crime occurred on May 19, 2014, at Cheonggu Apartments in Dalseo-gu, Daegu. The victims were Kwon’s parents, found murdered in their home, and Kwon, the couple’s daughter, who was seriously injured after jumping from the apartment to escape. The perpetrator was Jang Jae-jin, a Daegu University student and former marine, who had previously received a suspended sentence for assault during his military service.

Motive and Crime Details

Jang had a history of poor academic performance and violent behavior. Despite his low grades, he enrolled in Daegu University and was known for his sociable character. He dated Kwon after she joined a club where he was the president. Prior to the murders, Jang assaulted Kwon, leading to their breakup. He meticulously planned the murders, disguising himself as a plumber to gain entry into Kwon’s apartment. He killed her parents using a knife and blunt object and waited for Kwon to return home, after which he assaulted her.

Legal Proceedings

Jang was sentenced to death, a notable decision given the decreasing frequency of such sentences in South Korea. The court emphasized his lack of remorse and the premeditated nature of his crimes. Despite his initial attempts to seek a reduced sentence of life imprisonment, he was ultimately unsuccessful.

Societal Impact

This case marked a rare instance in the 21st century where a South Korean court handed down a death sentence for a crime other than military-related mass shootings. The case garnered significant public attention and outcry, highlighting issues of domestic violence and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in dealing with such severe crimes.

Significance

The Daegu Apartment Murder Case shows the potential for extreme violence in domestic settings and the challenges faced by the legal system in administering justice for such heinous acts. The case’s notoriety and the rare imposition of the death penalty reflect the societal shock and condemnation of Jang Jae-jin’s actions.