Incheon Knife Attack Raises Questions Over Police Handling of Prior Threat

Choi Choong-rak, a 59-year-old with a record of violent incidents, held a prolonged protest outside a Gyeyang-gu hospital on Sept. 9, pulling out a knife and prompting by-standers to call police. Authorities investigated him on Oct. 6, confiscated the weapon, and noted his treatment for alcoholism, yet they did not pursue mental-health evaluation, risk assessment, or a detention request. Less than a month later, Choi launched a random stabbing at a busy Incheon commercial complex around 1:40 p.m., injuring eight people, one of whom, a 19-year-old woman, experienced cardiac arrest and remained unconscious.

He claimed the motive was to publicize his dissatisfaction with the hospital and said he chose victims who appeared physically weaker, denying any intent to kill. Choi, who has ten prior criminal records including two attempted murders, is now detained on charges of attempted murder and illegal weapon possession. The incident has ignited criticism that police missed an opportunity to intervene after the earlier investigation.