Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Korean tourist dies after pickpocketing attempt turns violent in Philippines
This file photo shows the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul. A Korean man died earlier this week after being critically injured in pickpocketing incident that turned violent in Angeles, the Philippines, officials said on Wednesday. Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
A Korean man died earlier this week following what appears to have been a pickpocketing attempt that escalated into a violent crime in Angeles, a city in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines.
According to officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, the tourist in his 60s was targeted by a pickpocket at around 10 p.m. May 25 and sustained severe injuries from the apparent assault. Despite receiving medical treatment, he showed no signs of recovery and was pronounced dead at a hospital there.
Officials from the ministry did not reveal details, such as the specific location or nature of the crime, including whether a weapon was used. They said they have been cooperating with local police over the case.
“We have been providing his bereaved family with necessary assistance since we learned of the incident,” an official told reporters. “We have also asked the police to conduct a prompt and fair investigation into the case.”
Angeles, famous for its rich history and nightlife, is one of the most popular destinations for Korean visitors, who often become targets of crime. On Nov. 11, 2023, another Korean man, 56, was stabbed in the city by two thieves who then stole his wallet. He survived the attack.