South Korean woman killed in suspected stalking attack

A woman in her 50s was found dead in a vehicle parked on a national highway in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, following a suspected stalking attack. The victim, a pub owner from Gongju, had reportedly been carrying a self-defense gas gun since April due to fears for her safety.

Family members stated the victim had been targeted by a man in his 60s who repeatedly approached her despite her refusals. The suspect was found in the driver's seat of the vehicle in a state of apparent self-poisoning and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Records show the victim had reported stalking to the police twice this year. In January, authorities dismissed the report as low risk after issuing a warning to the suspect. A second report in June regarding a dispute was not pursued further after the victim indicated she did not wish to seek punishment. The victim's family is calling for a thorough investigation into why adequate protective measures were not implemented despite the repeated reports.