“Considered a stabbing at a daycare center” ... Choi Chung-rak’s chilling statement in the Incheon knife rampage case

[Financial News] Choi Chung-rak, 59, who injured eight members of the public by wielding a weapon at a large commercial facility in Incheon, reportedly told police investigators that he had considered targeting a daycare center for the crime.
According to the Dong-A Ilbo on the 17th, Choi Chung-rak reportedly told police investigators that he had also considered making a daycare center the target on the day of the crime, but decided against it because he thought that would be going too far.
Choi Chung-rak is suspected of attempting to kill 10 visitors by stabbing them with a knife at the see&see building, a large commercial facility in Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, at around 1:48 p.m. on the 13th.
Eight visitors were injured in the incident. A 19-year-old woman was taken to hospital in cardiac arrest and underwent emergency surgery, but reportedly has yet to regain consciousness.
Choi Chung-rak reportedly claimed in police questioning that he had been dissatisfied with the hospital where he received treatment for a skin condition, and that a report by the hospital had also led to a police investigation. He reportedly said he committed the crime to create news coverage because he wanted to make his dissatisfaction known to the public.
Choi Chung-rak was found to have 10 prior criminal offenses punishable by a fine or more, including two previous attempted-murder cases. Deemed at high risk of reoffending, he had been ordered to wear an electronic ankle monitor until 2029, but reportedly committed the crime while wearing it.
On the 16th, the Incheon District Court held a pre-arrest suspect hearing for Choi Chung-rak and issued an arrest warrant, citing a risk that he might flee. Before the hearing, Choi responded to reporters’ questions, including whether he had anything to say to the victims: “I’m sorry. I’ve committed a terrible crime.”
That same day, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency convened its Personal Information Disclosure Review Committee and released Choi Chung-rak’s name, age and mugshot.
Meanwhile, on the morning of the 17th, police sent investigators to search Choi Chung-rak’s residence in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon.
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter