By Gim Giheung
Ee’s high school graduation photo alongside a contemporary suspect sketch.
Hwaseong serial killer Ee Chunjae stood in court today (2nd of November 2020) 34 years after the incident. He apologised to his victims, but the apology seems belated.
Wearing a mask and a turquoise shroud, Ee Chunjae was finally revealed [to the public]. It’s been 34 years since the first incident. Without hesitating he replied “that’s correct” when asked if he was the perpetrator of 14 killings in Hwaseong and Cheonju [south of Seoul in Gyeonggi province]. When [he was interviewed as part of ] the police re-investigation last year, he expressed his feelings at the time, by saying, “I thought it was coming.”
But when it comes to a motive for his crimes, he said “I cannot accurately say why I lived in that manner at the time. After I committed the murder, I momentarily felt that I had done wrong,” he added. “But after I turned away, [the crime] was forgotten and I was able to commit another crime.”
He continued “I’m sorry and I apologise to my victims. I have reflected, and I have confessed my guilt in my heart.” He also said that he apologises sincerely to Yun Seongyeo, who was unjustly convicted for the murders and spent time in prison.
Yun commented: “Thanks to Ee for telling the truth, but I’m not completely satisfied. But since he talks conscientiously, I feel weak.”
Ee revealed that he had never thought that his crimes would be hidden forever – but that if the police investigation at the time had been correct and thorough, he would have been a higher-priority suspect. The National Police Agency announced that it would consider canceling promotions of the police officers who had arrested Yun, instead of Ee, the true culprit.