Suspect busted for assisting suicides

Officials of Nowon Police Station in northern Seoul are investigating the case of a 19-year-old man, known only as Yun, who was arrested Monday and may be charged with murder for allegedly assisting in two suicides. If convicted, Yun could face from 1-10 years in prison.

Nowon police officials sent investigators to Kangnung and Taegu Monday in a bid to uncover additional criminal activities among members of an Internet site for those contemplating suicide.

Police also issued an arrest warrant for a 26-year-old man identified as Kim on charges of assisting with the joint suicide, which occurred in Kangnung on Saturday. Officials also are looking for a 23-year-old female who allegedly introduced one of the suicide victims to Yun. Both are suspected of involvement in other deaths.

Meanwhile, Computer Investigation Department of Seoul District Public Prosecutor¡¯s Office (Jung Jin-Sup, superintendent public prosecutor) announced on Monday that they are scrutinizing the related law if the prosecution can prosecute the operators of 2~3 internet sites known as being used to induce suicide or used to the commissioned murder by applying a suicide participation related crime.

The criminal law prescribes the imprisonment sentence of one year to 10 years for the crime of instigating or assisting of suicide.

Choi Ho-Won bestiger@donga.com