Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
'Hospital murder was premeditated'
Police officers escort a murder suspect surnamed Park from Jongno Police Station, Seoul, for further investigation by the prosecution over his killing of psychiatrist Lim Se-won, Wednesday. Yonhap
By Kim Hyun-bin
Police conclude patient killed psychiatrist out of delusion
By Kim Hyun-bin
Police said Wednesday that they had referred a suspect who allegedly murdered a psychiatrist on Dec. 31 to the prosecution after concluding he was mentally unbalanced when committing the crime, based on previous psychiatric reports and his claim that a bomb had been planted inside his head.
The Jongno Police Station in Seoul, in charge of the investigation, referred the case to seek an indictment of the murder suspect identified by his surname Park, aged 30.
“During questioning, Park repeatedly gave incomprehensible responses, and showed signs of confusion,” a police officer said. “We have reviewed his psychiatric records comprehensively and concluded that he was in a delusional state.”
Park, who reportedly suffers from bipolar disorder, told police he was arguing with his psychiatrist, Lim Se-won at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, about “a small bomb planted inside his head.” Park claimed he committed the crime because Lim called security after he requested the psychiatrist to remove the bomb.
“According to his medical records, during his earlier hospitalization, Park claimed the hospital planted the bomb in his head and later accused the state, in an incoherent manner,” the officer said.
However, police still believe the murder was premeditated as Park bought the weapon used at a store near his home and took it to the hospital. “We suspect Park visited the hospital with a plan to attack the doctor if he refused to accept his demand to remove the bomb,” the officer said. “The attack took place only about three minutes after the consultation began.”
The police searched Park's home, the hospital and the National Health Insurance Corp. to obtain Park's medical files, phone records and computers.
However, they were unable to unlock Park's phone, or find any other reason for the attack from his computers.
Park stabbed Lim in the chest multiple times during a consultation. When Park drew the knife, Lim initially escaped into another room attached to his office, but he returned after realizing his nurses could be in danger. He shouted at the nurses to leave as Park attacked him.
Lim was taken to the emergency room but died while receiving treatment. A nurse called the police and Park was arrested at the scene.
Park had been hospitalized at a general hospital in September 2015 for bipolar disorder. At that time his mother admitted him after he threatened his sister with a knife, according to police. Since then Lim had been the psychiatrist in charge.
Lim's death has spurred calls for better protection of medical staff and the need to toughen punishment for verbal and physical attacks against doctors and nurses.
Lim was well-known for treating patients with depression and received an award from the Korea Association for Suicide Prevention for his contribution to society.