Father Arrested for Son's Murder in Incheon After Long-Standing Grievances

On July 21, a 62-year-old man, identified as 조모 (Jo Mo), was arrested for allegedly killing his son with a homemade firearm in an apartment in Songdo, Incheon. Investigations revealed that Jo had been planning the crime since August of the previous year. The exact motive for the murder is still under investigation, but police are considering adding attempted murder charges against him.

According to the Incheon Police Agency, Jo purchased various materials online to create a firearm, including pipes, starting in August 2024. This information was confirmed through an analysis of his mobile phone. Jo reportedly cut the pipes in Euljiro, Seoul, but the location has since been demolished due to redevelopment.

Jo has claimed that family disputes and a lack of financial support since last year motivated his actions. However, the victim's family disputes this, stating that financial assistance was ongoing and that there were no significant family conflicts.

On the day of the incident, July 20, Jo's son, identified as A (33, deceased), was hosting a birthday party for Jo at his home, attended by his wife, two children, and a foreign tutor. The atmosphere was reportedly cheerful, with singing and taking photos. Jo left the house under the pretense of going to a convenience store but instead retrieved the firearm from his rental car in the parking lot. After returning, he shot his son when A opened the door, and he also threatened the foreign tutor and his daughter-in-law and grandchildren who were hiding in the house.

Police believe Jo contemplated his actions in his car for about 30 to 40 minutes before proceeding with the attack. The victim's family expressed confusion over the incident, noting that their relationship had been good and the atmosphere was positive that day.

Authorities are investigating whether Jo intended to kill not only his son but also the other individuals present, which could lead to additional attempted murder charges. Jo has denied these claims, stating he only intended to kill his son.

During profiling, Jo claimed he had been receiving a monthly salary of approximately 3 million won from a family business, but payments ceased at some point last year. The victim's family countered that financial support had continued until A's death. Jo did not assert any mental incapacity during the investigation.

On July 25, police plan to conduct a third round of questioning with Jo and are also seeking forensic analysis of his mobile phone and a search warrant for his financial accounts. Authorities are focused on uncovering Jo's specific motives for the crime.

Jo is accused of shooting his son around 9:30 PM on July 20 in their apartment on the 33rd floor. After the incident, he fled but was apprehended in downtown Seoul at approximately 12:15 AM on July 21. At his home in Sangsang-dong, police found 15 flammable materials, including bottles of thinner and detergent, along with a timer set for ignition the day after the crime.