Photo of Incheon stabbing suspect spreads online, showing blood-covered face unblurred

A photo of a man in his 50s accused of stabbing eight people at a large commercial complex in Incheon is spreading rapidly online.

Images of suspect A, arrested at the scene of the Incheon stabbing, began circulating Wednesday across online communities and social media platforms.

The photos show his face and clothing covered in blood and have been shared without any blurring, exposing the graphic content to vulnerable viewers including children and pregnant women.

Sharing a suspect's personal information — including photos — without an official police decision to release it could expose those responsible to defamation charges.

In a relevant precedent, a YouTuber who posted videos on social media containing the names, changed names, schools and photos of individuals identified as perpetrators in the 2004 Miryang gang sexual assault case was sentenced in a first-instance ruling in October 2025 to eight months in prison and a fine of 3 million won ($2,240).

Police are also reviewing whether to officially disclose the suspect's identity. Authorities said they would convene a review panel to weigh whether releasing his name and photo is appropriate, taking into account the public's right to know and the potential deterrent effect on crime. A decision is expected this week through the police identity disclosure review committee, which comprises both internal and external members.

Suspect A was arrested on suspicion of wielding a knife at a large shopping complex in Guweol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, injuring eight people. He told investigators he had "chosen people who looked weaker than me."

One of the eight victims — a woman in her 20s who was transported to hospital in cardiac arrest — underwent emergency surgery and was admitted to the intensive care unit but had not regained consciousness as of Wednesday.