A Switched-Off Metal Detector Let a Knife-Carrying Backpack Slip Right Through

The perpetrator of a knife rampage was found to have visited his probation office — an institution that people under suspended sentences must regularly report to — carrying a backpack full of weapons, even having a meal there, without being stopped. The metal detector at the entrance had been switched off since January this year because the alarm frequently went off and was considered a hassle. Probation officers told police they had turned the detector off for convenience due to the noise.

According to the police investigation, on the morning of the attack, Choi Chung-rak packed several weapons and hand protection gear made of tape into his backpack and visited the probation office and then a university. While leaving the university, someone spotted part of a weapon protruding from his backpack and reported it. Believing the police would come after him, Choi entered a nearby commercial facility and carried out the attack.

During questioning, Choi claimed that he wore the hand protection gear to inflict serious injuries, but insisted he had no intention to kill, saying he controlled the force when swinging the weapons.

Choi had been gripped by delusions that a hospital, with which he was in conflict over skin treatment, and the police were monitoring and remotely controlling him through his mobile phone. Believing his assets would be seized if the hospital filed a damages suit, he sold gold jewelry at a gold and silver shop in Jongno, Seoul, five days before the attack to raise 30 million won, and carried 6.8 million won of it with him. The hospital, however, had never even considered filing a lawsuit.

On the 23rd, the Incheon Namdong Police Station transferred Choi Chung-rak to the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office on charges of attempted murder. The prosecutors' office, having taken over the case, is reviewing the legal aspects.