Singer Seong Hyeon-woo’s account of being pursued by a knife-wielding man in Jeju in 2021 has drawn renewed attention as authorities face criticism over their handling of recent missing-person reports on the island.
OSEN
Seong, 29, described the incident in a YouTube video posted in February under the title, “The story of almost being killed while traveling to Jeju Island — 100% true.” He said he had remained silent because he feared the attacker might see the video and seek revenge.
According to Seong’s account, he was dining at a kalguksu restaurant while a middle-aged man verbally abused a foreign female employee. Seong told the man to stop disrupting other customers. The restaurant owner then escorted the man outside, appearing to end the confrontation.
OSEN reported that the man later called to Seong after waiting outside. He allegedly asked Seong whether he could fight before pulling out a large kitchen knife concealed behind his back. Seong said the weapon was fastened to the man’s arm and hand with bandages.
Seong ran away rather than return to the restaurant, saying he feared the employees and owner could be endangered. He recalled that the man continued chasing him through dark streets with few people nearby.
OSEN
Seong eventually reached an alley near his accommodation, contacted police and saw officers arrive within about three to five minutes, according to The Korea Herald. The suspect was arrested nearby while still carrying the knife, Seong said.
Seong also recalled an officer asking why he had been so startled. He said the officer described knife threats in coastal areas as common and advised him to avoid disputes with sailors.
After viewers questioned whether the story was fabricated, Seong released part of a case inquiry screen. It reported that it listed the matter as “special intimidation,” while The Korea Herald translated the charge as “aggravated intimidation” and said prosecutors had completed their disposition.
Recent scrutiny intensified after an officer allegedly mishandled missing-person reports involving a woman, Jang Mi-ran, and a man. The officer reportedly told relatives both were safe before closing the cases.
Their bodies were later found, and four bodies believed to be those of missing people were reportedly discovered in Jeju over three days. Police said foul play was considered unlikely in Jang’s case.