How This Man Escaped Korea’s Alcatraz Prison: Notorious Shin Chang Won

Summary

This video recounts the thrilling story of Shin Tang-won, a notorious South Korean criminal who escaped from Busan's high-security prison and became a media sensation. Known as the 'real Robin Hood,' Shin's childhood was marked by hardship and rebellion, leading him to a life of crime. His elaborate escape involved a daring plan using tools he fashioned in prison, which he executed flawlessly. On the run, he became a local folk hero, charming those around him while eluding capture for nearly three years before finally being apprehended. The story delves into the complexities of his character and the societal factors that contributed to his infamy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shin Tong-won is regarded as a notorious criminal in South Korea, known for escaping from the high-security Busan prison.
• 😀 Many people view Shin as an anti-hero, likening him to figures like Robin Hood and the Joker due to his charm and rebellious nature.
• 😀 Shin had a troubled childhood, growing up in poverty and facing a strict and abusive family environment, which shaped his criminal behavior.
• 😀 His first significant crime occurred at age 22, when a supermarket robbery led to the death of the store owner, resulting in his life imprisonment.
• 😀 In prison, Shin devised an elaborate escape plan using a small saw he hid in his shoe, which allowed him to cut through bars.
• 😀 After his escape, Shin remained on the run for over two years, engaging in various criminal activities, including theft and carjacking.
• 😀 Despite being a fugitive, Shin displayed acts of kindness by donating money to elderly homes during his time on the run.
• 😀 His relationship with a woman named Jay flourished during his escape, complicating his life as they both became involved in criminal activities.
• 😀 Shin was eventually recaptured after a gas worker recognized him and alerted the police, leading to a large-scale operation to apprehend him.
• 😀 After his capture, Shin received additional prison time but garnered a cult following, particularly among younger people, who admired his rebellious spirit.

Q & A

Who is Shin Tang-won and why is he infamous in South Korea?

Shin Tang-won is a notorious criminal known for his daring escape from the high-security Busan prison in South Korea. He gained a reputation as an anti-hero and a 'Robin Hood' figure, attracting public admiration despite his criminal activities.

What events led to Shin's life imprisonment?

Shin was sentenced to life imprisonment after a robbery at a supermarket went wrong, resulting in the death of the store owner. This incident marked a significant turning point in his life.

How did Shin manage to escape from prison?

Shin escaped by using a small saw he stole from a wood workshop to cut through the bars of a ventilation shaft. He also lost weight to fit through the narrow opening, and he utilized construction work happening nearby to climb over the prison walls.

What strategies did Shin use to survive while on the run?

While on the run, Shin stole money and cars, but he also engaged in acts of kindness, such as donating to facilities for the disabled, which helped him maintain a low profile.

What role did his girlfriend, Jay, play during Shin's time on the run?

Jay initially helped Shin by providing him with a place to stay and even became involved in criminal activities herself. Their relationship complicated matters, as she was both supportive and later caught in police scrutiny.

What societal factors contributed to the public's fascination with Shin?

The public was intrigued by Shin's rebellious nature and his ability to elude capture for so long. Many young people viewed him as a symbol of defiance against a flawed system marked by corruption.

How did the police eventually capture Shin after his escape?

Shin was captured after a gas worker suspected he was Shin and reported him to the police. When authorities surrounded his apartment, Shin was caught without the chance to escape due to the overwhelming number of officers.

What additional consequences did Shin face after his capture?

After his capture, Shin received an additional 22 years in prison for his escape and the crimes committed while on the run, adding to his original life sentence.

What insights can be gleaned from Shin's diary found by the police?

Shin's diary contained detailed reflections on his life, his childhood, and his criminal activities. It revealed his feelings of jealousy towards those leading normal lives and demonstrated his complex character.

How did public perception of Shin change over time?

Initially seen as a criminal, Shin's public image evolved into that of a cultural anti-hero, especially among youth who admired his rebellious spirit and perceived defiance against societal norms.