By Kim Kyung-ryeon

There was a man who put our country in fear. His name was Kang Ho Soon. Why did he commit cruel murders? On request by police, psychologists examined Kang's mental state, trying to find a motive for his serial murders. On inspection, the fact that he was a "psychopath" became clear.

A psychopath is someone who destroys social order, and cannot feel a sense of guilt. This concept was discovered in 1920 and there are several characteristics which distinguish psychopaths from other criminals.

First, psychopaths have a split personality. They can rapidly switch from being friendly to murderous. For example, the main character in the movie "The Chaser" shows various facial expressions to protect himself from a store owner, but kills her once he finds a weapon.

Second, unlike most common criminals who commit crimes out of spite or because they feel insulted, psychopaths commit them for self-pleasure. They don't stop until their goals are met.

Third, psychopaths aren't dominated by their feelings. They feel no remorse and usually kill without emotion or reason. Even more dangerous is their lack of any specific facial expressions, which makes them difficult to read.

Finally, they are machine-like. Psychologists say, "Psychopath's desperation goes by rationality. So, if they plan something, such as a terrible crime, the plan must be successful."

For this reason, psychopaths are often called vampires and snakes, wearing black clothing. Dressed in suits, vampires approach beautiful girls as a friend. But as soon as the dames warm to these antics, vampires sink their teeth deep into the women's throats. Vampires use the guise of kindness and a polished image to relieve people's anxiety. Psychopaths do the same, appearing like a gentle person on the outside, but like a cold-hearted snake inside.

They are camouflage experts and, unfortunately, it's impossible to determine who is a psychopath and who is normal. We greet each other daily, and laugh together, and live with them.

bba00114@naver.com

Kim Kyung-ryeon is a freshman attending Haksan Girls' High School in Dongnae-gu, Busan, southern port city of Korea.