Police disclose identity of Gangbuk motel murder spree suspect

Prosecutors disclosed the identity of the suspect in the Gangbuk motel murder spree case on Monday as 20-year-old Kim So-yeong, reversing an earlier police decision to withhold her personal information.

Mug shots of Kim So-yeong, a 20-year-old woman accused of giving drug-laced drinks to men at motels in Gangbuk District, northern Seoul, provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on March 9[YONHAP]

Prosecutors disclosed the identity of the suspect in the Gangbuk motel murder spree case on Monday as 20-year-old Kim So-yeong, reversing an earlier police decision to withhold her personal information.

Kim is suspected of giving benzodiazepine-laced drinks to three men in and around Gangbuk District, northern Seoul, between mid-December 2025 and Feb. 9 this year, killing two and causing one to lose consciousness.

She was handed over to prosecutors on Feb. 19 on charges including murder and violating the Narcotics Control Act.

Police earlier decided not to release Kim’s identity after an internal review, prompting criticism from a victim’s family and fueling online doxxing that spread her alleged personal information across social media and online communities.

Police are investigating cases involving two more potential victims.

"Two additional people have been identified as possible victims in connection with the case," the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said at a regular press briefing on Monday. "Physical evidence would be ideal, but we will send the case to prosecutors if the allegations are supported by circumstantial evidence and statements from related parties." Update, March 9: Added details of additional possible victims.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]