Gangster wanted for murdering wife

By Lee Kyung-min

Police said Monday they have launched a manhunt for a well-known gang member who fled after allegedly killing his wife during an argument.

Police said the 52-year-old suspect, surnamed Hong, allegedly stabbed his 42-year-old wife, surnamed Kim, three times in her side at their home in Bupyeong, Incheon, at 4:52 p.m. Sunday.

Kim was taken to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead after suffering from excessive bleeding, officials said.

The couple’s 16-year-old daughter also sustained a cut on her left hand while trying to stop her father from stabbing her mother, police added.

The daughter heard them fighting in the bedroom, and then discovered Hong brandishing a knife when she opened the door. The teenager said that the two fought often over personal matters.

Police said that the fugitive is a local gang member who has been under their watch. The authorities distributed a wanted poster to police stations near the area, as well as in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, asking for cooperation. They are reviewing surveillance camera footage.

Police said that Hong initially drove off in his car, but the vehicle was discovered near Baekun Station on Monday afternoon. It is thought he took the subway after ditching the car there.

Hong is 174 centimeters tall and of stout stature. He wore black pants and a black bomber jacket, police said.