The case of Jung Yoo-jung, a 23-year-old woman accused of murdering a woman in her twenties in Busan, has puzzled experts due to her unusually calm demeanor during and after the crime. Forensic psychology professor Lee Soo-jung noted that it is typical for people, even those with criminal tendencies, to experience panic and terror after committing a murder. However, Jung’s behavior, which included taking a suitcase from her home to transport the victim’s body, showed no signs of panic or horror, making it a very unusual case.
Jung Yoo-jung met the victim, a university student and self-employed tutor, through a tutoring app. Using a fake identity as a parent, Jung contacted the victim and requested English lessons for her fictitious child. To carry out the crime, Jung bought a school uniform, disguised herself as a student, and visited the victim’s residence. Security camera footage showed Jung carrying a suitcase to the victim’s residence, which she later used to transport and dispose of the victim’s body parts.
A fascinating aspect of the case is Jung’s motivation. Lee speculates that Jung admired and desired what the victim had, including her social status and academic background. This may have led Jung to target the victim and even to keep her ID card after disposing of the body. The victim’s prestigious university education may have influenced Jung’s selection.
Jung’s isolated and antisocial lifestyle is considered a possible influence on the crime. Criminal profiling expert Bae Sang-hoon suggests that Jung’s psychopathy may have developed during her prolonged isolation after finishing high school. Living without a job for five years, Jung may have had trouble distinguishing reality from the virtual world of murders she was exposed to, possibly influenced by novels and TV shows on the subject.
Jung initially denied the murder charge but changed her statement when evidence, such as CCTV footage, blood-stained luggage, and the victim’s ID card, emerged. The police discovered parts of the victim’s body near the Nakdong River and the remaining remains at Jung’s home. Jung eventually confessed to the crime after being persuaded by her family and the police.
Jung was arrested on May 27 after a taxi driver reported seeing her carrying a blood-stained suitcase near the Nakdong River. Despite apologizing to the victim’s family and admitting she was “out of her mind,” Jung had not been diagnosed or treated for any psychiatric disorder.
The case raises questions about the intersection of isolation, psychopathy, and a fascination with crime as contributing factors to such chilling events. Jung’s calmness throughout the trial adds a layer of complexity, challenging traditional expectations about emotional responses following an atrocious act.
