Public calls have risen for the need for tougher regulation of weapons intended for self-defense after a rape and murder in Seoul’s Sillim-dong on Aug. 17, in which the attacker punched a woman using brass knuckles he purchased online. The woman was declared dead two days after the incident, enraging the public even further. Brass knuckles are metal bands that are worn over the fingers to concentrate a punch&rs.
The Ministry of Justice is now paying close attention to recent changes in public opinion on resuming the implementation of the death penalty. In response to inquiries sent by The Korea Times recently, the ministry said its stance on the issue has not changed ― that there should be a thorough review before deciding whether to carry out capital punishment again.
The police have disclosed the identity and personal information of the suspect who is accused of raping and beating a woman to death in Seoul’s Sillim-dong as 30-year-old Choi Yoon-jong, Wednesday. By South Korean law, the police can disclose the identity of a suspect in a criminal case after the Personal Information Disclosure Committee agrees to reveal a suspect's personal information including their pho.