The recent murder of an elementary student Kim Ha-neul at the hands of a teacher has rattled Korea. Is it just a tragic isolated case or does it raise the question: are Korean schools safe?

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Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

School Murder: The Tragic Case of Kim Ha-neul

On February 10, 2023, the shocking murder of seven-year-old Kim Ha-neul by her teacher in Daejeon sent ripples of grief and fear throughout South Korea. As the investigation unfolds, the question arises: how safe are Korean schools?

The Tragic Incident

Kim Ha-neul was a student at a local elementary school in Daejeon when she went missing after class. The teacher saw Ha-neul leave the classroom at the end of the day, but she never arrived at her academy. Concerned, the parents alerted authorities, and a search was initiated. Ha-neul’s mobile phone led investigators to the school, where they discovered her body in a multimedia room. The teacher, who was later identified as the perpetrator, was found with severe injuries and a possible suicide attempt.

The autopsy revealed that Ha-neul died from numerous stab wounds, a brutal act that left the nation stunned. The teacher, who had been suffering from depression, confessed to the crime, but the motives remain murky. Experts believe that while depression can lead to self-harm, it is less likely to drive someone to premeditated murder, suggesting a deeper issue of power dynamics and mental health.

Is This Just an Isolated Incident?

While the death of Kim Ha-neul is a tragic and isolated case, it raises important questions about the safety of students in Korean schools. In recent years, the country has witnessed a surge in child abuse cases, bullying, and even murders involving students and teachers. This incident follows a troubling pattern of cases that have shocked the nation, prompting many to ask if enough is being done to protect children in educational institutions.

The Need for Better School Safety

This case has brought attention to the lack of preparation for violent situations in schools. While emergency drills for natural disasters like earthquakes are common, schools often lack protocols for handling violence. The presence of CCTV, emergency alarms, and other security measures is inconsistent across institutions. In response, some regions are pushing for mandatory security patrols, emergency systems, and even the presence of police in schools.

Teacher Mental Health and Accountability

Another pressing issue is the mental health of teachers. The case has sparked a debate about whether teachers with untreated mental health issues, like depression, should be allowed to work with children. The current system relies heavily on self-reporting, which may not be enough to prevent such tragedies.

The Aftermath: Law and Compensation

The family of Kim Ha-neul is seeking compensation, and the case has led to discussions about new laws to ensure school safety. One potential outcome could be the implementation of a “Kim Ha-neul Law,” which would mandate that teachers who are deemed unfit mentally or emotionally must take mandatory leave and prove their fitness to return.

As the country processes this tragedy, it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of children in schools. The incident has sparked conversations about surveillance, teacher accountability, and the need for systemic changes to prevent future violence.

What happens when self-defence turns into a criminal case? In this episode, we explore the chilling case of Choi Mal-ja, the woman who fought back against an attacker and ended up in prison. Learn about Korean self-defence law and the retrial that could change everything.

This is crucial listening for anyone living in or visiting Korea.

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Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

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Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
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Hunter Winter
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Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

The Case of Choi Mal-ja: When Self-Defense Turns into a Crime

In 1964, a young woman named Choi Mal-ja made headlines after defending herself from an attacker, only to find herself sentenced to prison. What appeared to be a clear case of self-defense quickly turned into a complex legal battle that raises important questions about how self-defense is defined in Korean law.

The Incident: What Happened on May 6, 1964?

On May 6, 1964, in the small town of Gimhae-gun (now Gimhae-si), Choi Mal-ja, an 18-year-old woman, found herself in a dangerous encounter with 21-year-old Noh Jae-dong. Noh showed up at her home uninvited, asking for directions, which she reluctantly gave. When he tried to kiss her, Choi refused, and an argument ensued. Noh then forced himself on her, knocking her to the ground. In a desperate attempt to fight back, Choi bit off part of Noh’s tongue.

Noh, in pain and bleeding, later returned to Choi’s home to retrieve the piece of his tongue, with her agreeing to help him find it. However, things quickly escalated when Noh and his friends returned to her house, threatening her family with weapons. The events became a crime scene and led to Choi’s arrest.

The Trial: Self-Defense or Excessive Force?

During the trial, Choi maintained that she had acted in self-defense, as Noh had physically forced himself on her. However, the court did not agree. Despite Choi’s claims that she was trying to protect herself, the judge ruled that the amount of force she used in biting off a portion of Noh’s tongue was excessive, and thus, it couldn’t be considered self-defense. Instead, the court convicted her of grievous bodily harm and sentenced her to 10 months in prison with two years of probation.

Noh, on the other hand, was convicted of intimidation and trespassing, receiving only six months in prison and one year of probation. This disparity in sentencing caused public outcry and set the stage for a long legal battle over what constitutes self-defense in Korea.

The Coercion and Retrial: New Evidence and Unsettling Claims

In 2013, Choi attended Korea National Open University and learned about the term “sexual assault” for the first time. She realized that she had been a victim of sexual assault in 1964, even though the legal system did not recognize it at the time. With the support of classmates and human rights groups, she decided to challenge the original verdict, filing for a retrial in 2020.

However, the legal process has been far from straightforward. Choi claimed that her confession was coerced, and new evidence revealed inconsistencies in the original trial. In 2021, the Busan District Court dismissed her request for a retrial, citing Noh’s inability to speak due to his injuries. Yet, Noh’s military service records later showed that he was still physically fit, raising suspicions that the ruling had been unjust.

The Legal Landscape of Self-Defense in Korea

Self-defense in Korean law is clearly outlined in the Constitution under Article 21, which states that an act performed to prevent imminent and unjust infringement of one’s legal rights is not punishable. However, the concept of “imminent” infringement is crucial: self-defense is only valid if the threat is immediate. If the threat is already over, any retaliatory action would be considered revenge, not self-defense.

In Choi’s case, the court found her actions excessive. This has sparked wider debates about how Korean law defines self-defense and whether the justice system sufficiently protects those who defend themselves from attackers.

The Ongoing Fight: A Supreme Court Decision

After years of legal battles, Choi’s case finally reached the Supreme Court in December 2024. Chief Justice Oh Kyeong-mi reversed the decision made by the Busan District Court, stating that the original investigation into Choi’s case might have been flawed. The court acknowledged that Choi was likely investigated while under illegal detention, which could undermine the 1964 verdict.

The retrial is now more likely than ever, with the potential for justice to be served after decades of fighting the system.

Similar Cases and Legal Precedents

Choi’s case is not the first time that self-defense has been debated in Korean courts. In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of a woman who bit off part of a man’s tongue during an assault. The court recognized her actions as self-defense and declared her not guilty.

On the other hand, in 2001, the court denied a woman’s claim of self-defense after she killed her abuser during years of domestic violence. Legal experts criticized the court’s decision, questioning why the law doesn’t always protect victims who act in self-defense.

What Can We Learn from Choi’s Story?

Choi Mal-ja’s case raises crucial questions about how the law defines self-defense and how victims of violence are treated in the courtroom. It also highlights the challenges that women in particular face when their cases are not taken seriously, especially when they don’t fit traditional narratives of victimhood.

This case is a reminder that the fight for justice is often long and complicated. As Choi’s retrial continues, we can only hope that the legal system will finally recognize her right to defend herself and overturn a ruling that has haunted her for over 50 years.

Subscribe to our podcast to follow the latest updates on this case and learn more about self-defense and criminal justice in Korea!

She murdered her father in cold blood for revenge and money. Or is she lying about the whole thing? If so, who’s the real killer? 

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Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top Tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Devon Hiphner
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Eva Sikora
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Mackenzie Moore
Minseok Lee
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Josephine Rydberg
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright
George Irion

The Tragic Case of Kim Shin-hye: Parricide, Coercion, and Retrial

In the world of true crime, few cases are as convoluted and haunting as the story of Kim Shin-hye, a woman who was convicted of parricide in 2001. The case centers on the murder of her father, Mr. Kim, in Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, on March 7, 2000. Initially believed to be a tragic hit-and-run accident, further investigation revealed a much darker reality.

The Confession and the Case Against Shin-hye

On March 9, 2000, Shin-hye was arrested as the primary suspect in her father’s death. She confessed, stating that she killed him in revenge for years of sexual abuse, including an incident involving her half-sister in January 2000. To add to the complexity, Shin-hye was also the beneficiary of her father’s life insurance policy, making financial motives a significant factor.

The confession was detailed: Shin-hye admitted to mixing 30 pills with alcohol, which she gave to her father. After he passed out, she allegedly drove him to a bus stop, pushed him out of the car, and staged the scene to look like a hit-and-run. The details of her confession made it difficult for authorities to ignore, and in 2001, she was sentenced to life imprisonment.

The Turnaround: A Coerced Confession?

However, things took a dramatic turn when Shin-hye retracted her confession. She claimed that she had been coerced by police into confessing to a crime she did not commit. Shin-hye alleged that her confession was obtained under duress, with accusations of physical assault and manipulation by authorities. She later revealed that she had never confessed to her uncle, the person who initially told the police about her involvement.

Her claims of police misconduct and forced confession sparked renewed interest in the case, leading to a retrial. In 2015, a human rights lawyer revealed that Shin-hye had been pressured into signing a confession under duress. This led to the approval of her retrial in 2015 and again in 2018, with the latest retrial date set for December 18, 2024.

The Bigger Picture: Parricide in Korea

Shin-hye’s case is part of a larger, disturbing trend in South Korea. Between 2006 and 2013, there were 381 cases of parricide, making up around 5% of all murders in the country. The majority of these cases involved sons killing their fathers, but daughters have also been involved in a small number of parricides.

Many of these crimes stem from deep family issues, with a significant portion linked to mental illness, such as schizophrenia. Family disputes, economic strain, and long-standing personal grievances often play a role in these tragic cases.

What’s Next for Shin-hye?

As of now, Shin-hye’s case is still under review, with the retrial set for January 6, 2025. The future of her conviction remains uncertain, but the controversy surrounding the coerced confession and the possibility of an innocent person being wrongfully imprisoned raises critical questions about the justice system in South Korea.

This episode offers a deep dive into a chilling case that questions the very nature of justice, confession, and the darker sides of family relationships. Tune in to hear more about Kim Shin-hye’s tragic story and the ongoing fight for justice.

The growth of AI has its advantages, but like all new technology, it isn’t always used in benevolent ways. From blackmail to porn, we explore growing issues of deepfakes and adversarial AI in Korea.  

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Credits

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top Tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Shaaron Cullen
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Mitchy Brewer
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Emily Umbaugh
Josephine Rydberg
David Weatherly
Janice Song
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright

Summer 2024 was one of the hottest on record in Korea. It wasn’t only the temperatures that were heating up, crime was sizzling, too.  

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Credits

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top Tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Shaaron Cullen
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Mitchy Brewer
Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Emily Umbaugh
Josephine Rydberg
David Weatherly
Janice Song
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright

We’re halfway through 2024 and stabbings have made the news far too many times. We’ll look at some of those stories from the past couple of years. 

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Credits

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

Top Tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Shaaron Cullen
Devon Hiphner
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Mitchy Brewer 

Eva Sikora
Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
Hunter Winter
Cecilia Löfgren Dumas
Emily Umbaugh
Josephine Rydberg
David Weatherly
Janice Song
Devin Buchanan
Ashley Wright

Never a dull moment, especially if you’re paying attention. We go through some of the odder, weirder, surprisinger news stories in recent months. 

This is my stop (May 2023)

You hit my baby! (2018 to 2022; reported Feb. 2023)

This is not my stop (2019, reported Feb. 2023)

Be our guest (2017)

Released promo videos, hosted by ‘Tatiana’; released on Youtube

‘The Little Mermaid’ tanks in China and South Korea amid racist backlash from some viewers

Pride parade to take to Euljiro streets after Seoul Plaza refusal

• 64 citizens waited outside police stations on rotation for 89 hours, calling it a “rainbow relay.”
• However, according to the stenographic records of the committee’s meeting on May 3, the committee approved the Christian event, citing the “rights of others not to want to look at them” meaning SQCF participants, and the “negative impacts the queer event could have on children’s sexual education.” [source]
  • Seoul Metropolitan Council members and public servants who attended the meeting agreed with the decision unanimously
• Funny that Deoksugung, across from Seoul Plaza, is filled with hate-filled right wing posters–That’s allowed
  • The area from Cheonggyecheon to Deoksugung has regular right wing rallies and tents
• Seoul barred Pride from its usual venue – now some students want to do the same on campus
  • “We received a large number of complaints voicing opposition by mail and the e-people service,” explained a Sungkonghoe University official, adding that “the school’s position is that since there is opposition, we should go through a procedure of winning support.”
  • “If the festival goes ahead on campus, we will face negative attitudes and pressure from the public. It could also have a negative impact on next year’s [government] financial support assessment,” it predicted.
• South Korea: Human rights boss makes crude, homophobic ‘anal rupture’ claim in draft ruling
  • Lee Choong-sang, a human rights commissioner at South Korea’s Human Rights Commission, sparked criticism af-ter he made the remarks in a draft resolution about regulations concerning the hair-length of servicemen. 
  • Objecting to the view that forcing military personnel to have short hair is a violation of their human rights, Lee went on to make an anal sex analogy.
  • According to Kyunghyang Shinmun and SBS, he said that queer men who engaged in anal penetration – which he described as taking on a “female role” – to the point their “anus is ruptured”, leading to them “wearing a diaper”, are doing so willingly and are not victims of human rights violations. 

IN OTHER NEWS: BTS lifts veil on upcoming 10th anniversary event (June 17th)

• In the run-up to the event, major landmarks all across Seoul will be illuminated in purple. Starting next Monday, various media art will be on display at N Seoul Tower, Lotte World Tower, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Sevit Island, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the Banpo, Yanghwa, Yeongdong and World Cup bridges, Seoul City Hall and Gwanghwamun Square.
• Purples vs. Rainbows
  • Funny that conservative Muslims believe that Hallyu represents LGBTQ+
    • “the Korean Wave strongly incites LGBT (sexual minority), especially physical contact between men and men.“ [Source
  • The group’s history of open-mindedness dates back to 2013, when they were still rookies and talking about same-sex relationships could have been a career killer. The group’s leader, RM, tweeted out his admiration for Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ inclusive hit “Same Love” nonetheless: “This is a song about homosexuality. The song is twice as good when I listen to the lyrics.” At the time, he was a relatively unknown musician who had little to lose. But earlier this year, RM once again took a stance on Twitter, recommending “Strawberries and Cigarettes,” a song by the openly gay musician Troye Sivan, from the gay coming-of-age film Love, Simon.] [Source
  • Bing AI says: “BTS has spoken out on LGBTQ rights and mental health issues1. They have shown solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement by making a donation of $1 million2. However, I couldn’t find any official statement on their position on LGBTQ issues.”
• Wouldn’t it be a coup if the members of BTS made a statement in support of Pride Month during this [government-sponsored] event?

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Ron Chang
Mackenzie Moore
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Cecilia Löfgren Dumas

Some topics are hard to discuss. And some we prefer to not cover more than once. But child abuse has become an epidemic in Korea and it needs to be constantly in the public eye until something is done to stop it. 

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Do you have a tale of an odd expat in Korea from the old days? We could include it in “Expats of the Wild East.”

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Credits

Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey

Music by Soraksan

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Angel Earl
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Sean 진헌 Braun
Jane Kang

It’s still unusual for theft to happen in Korean society. There is one item that Koreans steal without prejudice: bicycles. What’s up with that? 

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Listener Mail! Send us a message (Instagram, Facebook, email) and we might read it on air.

Credits

Produced by Joe McPherson, Shawn Morrissey, and Mia Roncati

Music by Soraksan

Top tier Patrons

Angel Earl
Joel Bonomini
Shaaron Cullen
Devon Hiphner
Minseok Lee
Alix Radilla
Ryan Berkebile
Gabi Palomino
Steve Marsh
Chad Struhs
Mitchy Brewer
Sarah Ford
Toni A
Sean 진헌 Braun
Ashley Rigby