Prosecutors decided to convene a personal information disclosure review committee for a woman in her 20s surnamed Kim, a suspect in the "Gangbuk motel serial killings."
The Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office stated accordingly on the 27th. However, it did not disclose the review committee's schedule.
Under the Act on Disclosure of Personal Information in Serious Crimes, prosecutors can refer suspects in violent crimes to the review committee to decide whether to disclose their identities. Kim is under arrest and being investigated on charges of murder and violating the Narcotics Control Act for allegedly causing the deaths of two men in succession with drug-laced drinks.
Earlier, police determined that the case did not meet the requirement of brutality in the method of the crime and was therefore not subject to a personal information disclosure review committee.
However, as Kim's social media (SNS) address and other information quickly spread online and the victims' bereaved families urged disclosure, prosecutors decided to convene the review committee.
The review committee consists of 7 to 10 members, with a majority of outside experts such as professors, lawyers, and civic group officials. If the committee concludes to disclose Kim's identity, it can release a facial photo, full name, age, and other details.