SEOUL – In a chilling revelation, a South Korean man has been arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, a crime he confessed to committing 16 years ago.

The shocking details emerged on September 24, revealing that the man, now in his 50s, brutally killed the woman during a heated argument and concealed her body under a layer of cement on his balcony.

Victim's Identity and Crime Details

Identified as the victim, the woman was fatally struck with a blunt object in October 2008. After the murder, the suspect placed her remains in a large travel bag and buried it beneath bricks and a 10-centimeter thick layer of cement on his balcony.

Disturbingly, the victim was not reported missing until three years later, as she had been estranged from her family, leading them to believe she was simply out of touch.

Investigation and Discovery

The investigation into her disappearance was revisited in 2011, but the man claimed they had “broken up,” resulting in stalled inquiries due to insufficient evidence.

An investigator noted that the body remained hidden for so long because of the constrained balcony space. Following the man's arrest for drug-related offenses in 2016, the apartment was largely left empty and utilized for storage, allowing the horrific secret to linger undisturbed.

The Pivotal Moment

The pivotal moment came in August when a maintenance worker, searching for water leaks, stumbled upon the travel bag. Upon inspection, law enforcement discovered the woman’s body, which was “preserved to some extent,” making it possible to identify her through fingerprints.

Confession and Future Actions

After being interrogated, the suspect confessed to the murder, shedding light on this long-unsolved case. According to authorities from the Gyeongnam Provincial Police, the investigation is in its final stages, and the man is expected to face prosecution shortly.

Societal Implications

As Southeast Asia grapples with issues of domestic violence and societal response, this case serves as a grim reminder of the dark realities many face. Authorities are urging anyone with information about missing loved ones to come forward, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and support for victims of domestic abuse.