Killer disappears with high school girl's hands｜Yeongdong School Girl Murder Case｜True Crime Korea

Summary

In 'Dark Asia,' Megan Lee delves into the chilling case of Chon Soyun, an 18-year-old aspiring baker whose mutilated body was found under a bag of cement at a construction site. The puzzling murder, with no signs of rape or robbery, and the victim's hands severed, has left investigators stumped. Suspects range from a construction worker with a criminal past to acquaintances of the victim. Despite various leads, the case remains unsolved, with the family still seeking closure after over two decades.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Chon Soyun was an 18-year-old high school junior with dreams of becoming a baker and was well-liked by her peers.
• 🕘 Soyun worked part-time at an accessory store and was last seen there on the evening of March 7, 2001, after her boss left around 7 PM.
• 📞 The store owner tried to contact Soyun at 8:35 PM but received no response, indicating she had gone missing by then.
• 🏗️ Soyun's body was found by a construction worker under a bag of cement at the construction site near the accessory store the next morning.
• 🕊️ There were no signs of rape or struggle, and her hands were disturbingly cut off, suggesting a deliberate act by the killer.
• 🕰️ The estimated time frame for Soyun's disappearance and murder was a 15-minute window between 8:20 and 8:35 PM.
• 🔍 The police suspected that Soyun either stepped out to meet someone or use the bathroom and was killed at the construction site or elsewhere.
• 🗑️ Soyun's severed hands were found in a stream, placed deliberately with the palms up, and with excessively short nails, indicating an attempt to destroy evidence.
• 👣 The investigation initially focused on construction workers due to their access to the site and the use of a pickaxe found at the scene.
• 👥 Several individuals connected to Soyun emerged as potential suspects, including a construction worker with a criminal record and acquaintances who had contact with her on the day of the incident.
• 🔮 Despite various leads and suspects, the case remains unsolved, with the police and a cold case investigation unit continuing to search for new information.

Q & A

Who is the host of the podcast 'Dark Asia'?

The host of the podcast 'Dark Asia' is Megan Lee.

What was Chon Soyun's occupation and aspirations?

Chon Soyun was an 18-year-old high school student who worked part-time at an accessory store and aspired to become a baker.

When did Chon Soyun go missing?

Chon Soyun went missing on the evening of March 7, 2001.

What unusual condition was Chon Soyun found in after her disappearance?

Chon Soyun was found dead with both of her hands severed, and a deep imprint on her neck, but no signs of rape or struggle.

Where were Chon Soyun's severed hands eventually found?

Chon Soyun's severed hands were found in the water under a stream bridge about 200 meters from the construction site where her body was discovered.

What led the police to initially suspect a construction worker as the killer?

The discovery of a blood-stained pickaxe at the construction site and the fact that the victim's hands were very cleanly cut off led the police to initially suspect a construction worker.

What evidence made the construction worker Yoon a person of interest in the case?

Yoon was found to have a promotional pen from the accessory store where Chon Soyun worked, he didn't report the body immediately, and he had a criminal record including for assault.

What was the significance of the bag of cement under which Chon Soyun's body was found?

The bag of cement was significant because it was on top of which a ballpoint pen with a car brand name was discovered, linking it to a local salesman and construction worker who became a person of interest.

What was the role of the broadcaster's coverage in 2014 in relation to the case?

The broadcaster's coverage in 2014 brought up a new suspect, a friend of Chon Soyun named Huang, who had sent her numerous messages confessing his love and had called her on the day of the incident.

What new information emerged from a tip-off received by the police in 2018?

In 2018, a woman who was 10 years old at the time of the murder provided a new account of seeing a suspicious man near the construction site on the evening of the incident, which led to the identification of a new suspect, a carpenter surnamed Kim.

Why was the case considered a cold case and what is the current status of the investigation?

The case is considered a cold case due to the lack of conclusive evidence and the passage of time. The investigation is ongoing, with the Chumbuk Provincial Police Agency's cold case unit continuing to pursue leads.