Suspect admits to killing; police probe motives behind crime tied to social media business dispute
A middle-aged suspect has been arrested on allegations of murdering a TikTok creator in her 20s and discarding her body in a remote area of Muju County, North Jeolla Province. Identified only as “A,” he was taken into custody near the site where the victim’s remains were eventually discovered.
On September 16, the Suwon District Court issued a formal arrest warrant after a pre-arrest hearing. Presiding Judge Lee Cha-woong stated that the arrest was necessary, citing concerns over the risk of flight and possible destruction of evidence.
The Yongin Dongbu Police Precinct confirmed that the man faces charges of murder and corpse abandonment, following their earlier request for a warrant.
Sequence of Events
Investigators allege that on September 11, the suspect assaulted and strangled the victim during a video shoot in Incheon. He then transported the body in his car along the west coast before abandoning it in a grassy area on a hill in Muju.
The victim’s parents reported her missing to Yongin Dongbu Police Station on September 12, saying they could no longer reach her. Investigators later tracked her movements and verified that she had been traveling in the suspect’s car from Incheon to Muju.
In cooperation with the Jeonbuk National Police Agency, officers located the suspect around 5 a.m. on September 13, only 50 to 100 meters from where the victim’s body was found. At the time, he claimed the two had “parted ways after an argument.” However, when he attempted to flee and refused to provide identification, police placed him under emergency arrest for obstructing official duties.
Confession and Court Appearance
The suspect was taken to Yongin Dongbu Police Station, where he initially refused to testify but later admitted to the crime under sustained questioning.
During his transfer to court for the warrant hearing, he was asked by reporters whether he had committed the murder. He answered briefly, “Yes,” and added, “I’m sorry,” when questioned about his motive.
Relationship Between Suspect and Victim
Police investigations revealed that the suspect had first approached the victim in May, offering to invest in her TikTok channel and help expand her subscriber base. He claimed to have extensive knowledge of the platform and positioned himself as a potential business partner.
However, disagreements soon arose over how the channel should be managed. These disputes are believed to have escalated into the fatal confrontation during the video shoot in Incheon.
Attempts to Evade Investigation
Authorities further discovered that the suspect had stopped his vehicle at least eight times while transporting the victim’s body, apparently in an effort to confuse investigators and obscure his travel route.
Such behavior, according to investigators, highlights the premeditated nature of his actions following the killing, even if the exact motive remains under scrutiny.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
Police have requested an autopsy from the National Forensic Service to confirm the exact cause of death. While the suspect has confessed, authorities are still piecing together the detailed timeline of events, including the nature of the argument that led to the killing.
Investigators are also expected to examine the broader context of social media-driven partnerships, where young creators often interact with older investors or promoters in pursuit of rapid growth. The case underscores potential risks tied to such relationships, particularly when financial interests and personal disputes collide.
Image credits: Yonhap
