Incheon stabbing suspect self-harms in detention, treated at same hospital as comatose victim

Choi Chung-rak, 59, who is accused of attempting to kill 10 people at a commercial facility in Incheon, self-harmed while held at a detention center and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The hospital where Choi received care turned out to be the same facility where a victim he left unconscious remains hospitalized, drawing criticism over the corrections authorities' decision.

According to corrections authorities, Choi injured his forehead in a self-harm incident Monday morning at the Incheon Detention Center in Michuhol-gu, Incheon. He was transported to a hospital, treated in the emergency room and returned to the detention center. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

The hospital was the same one where a teenage girl left unconscious by Choi's attack remains hospitalized, according to Yonhap TV.

An official at the Incheon Detention Center said the self-harm incident is "currently under investigation by the special judicial police team," adding that "specific details cannot be disclosed."

Choi faces charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of a weapon in a public place after allegedly stabbing 10 people at the See&See commercial building in Gwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, at around 1:48 p.m. on Oct. 13. Eight people were injured in the attack. A 19-year-old woman who was found in cardiac arrest has still not regained consciousness and remains hospitalized.

The Incheon Namdong Police Station transferred Choi to the prosecution in custody on Friday on charges of attempted murder and carrying a weapon in a public place.