Man who killed Japanese woman in Cheonan says he feared dying alone after stock losses

A detention hearing for a man in his 30s accused of killing a Japanese woman in her 20s at an officetel in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, is set for 11 a.m. Friday at the Daejeon District Court's Cheonan branch.

The Cheonan Seobook Police Station said the suspect, identified only as A, attacked the victim, identified as B, with a bladed weapon at B's officetel in Dujeong-dong, Seobook-gu, Cheonan, at around 4:20 p.m. Wednesday before fleeing the scene. A was arrested at around 1:06 a.m. Thursday at a lodging facility in Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, North Jeolla Province.

According to police, the officetel where B was killed was B's residence, and Jeonju is where A was based.

A arrived at B's officetel carrying a weapon prepared in advance and attacked B. During the assault, B managed to call an acquaintance for help, and the acquaintance alerted police.

A and B knew each other and had met twice earlier this year, but investigators determined they were not in a romantic relationship.

There was no prior record of stalking-related reports involving either party.

A told police during questioning that stock investment losses had left the future looking hopeless and that the decision had been made to die. "I was afraid to die alone, and B, whom I had known for some time, came to mind — so I tried to die together with B," A was quoted as saying.

If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, dial the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 109, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please request a translator for English-language services.