Possibility for the Other Student at Lodging House to Be Murdered Together

Korean police is cooperating with the local police and Interpol in the investigation of French-language exchange student Jin Hyo Jung (22, Junbuk Univ. French literature- major Junior) to clarify her murder. She was found dead in England at the end of last year.

Police is assuming Song (23, Kyungin Women`s College commerce- major Sophomore), who is currently reported missing, to have been murdered together while staying at the lodging house.

The National Police Agency said on the 10th, "Ms. Jin was admitted at a private language institute in May of last year in Lyon, France, and was to return home in December. It is confirmed that she started traveling in England on her own from October 25, and was murdered during the 3-day trip."

According to the authorities, Jin registered at a lodging house run by a Korean male called Kim (39) in Holborn of London, England, and missing Song has been confirmed to have stayed at the same place in London.

Jin and Song were reported missing by their families on December 7 and 18 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The lodging house owner Kim has not yet been identified, but is confirmed to have left to Germany to travel.

A police authority said, "As the first step, we will cooperate with the French police, and if needed, Paris` resident officials may be sent to London for further investigation."

He also added, "Jin‘s credit card was used after the murder, so whoever used it will possibly be the murderer. The English police is investigating that."

A Foreign Affairs and Trade authority revealed on the 10th that two official documents were issued to request that the English police conduct an active investigation, to which the police replied by assuring them of their best efforts for resolving the case.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also requested any missing status of travelers or students abroad to be reported immediately at the `Protection for Koreans Abroad` (02-732-0495).

Considering that Jin was found in a Korean-made suitcase tied up with tape that was sold on limited sale, the incorporated investigation team of London and Yorkshire police are investigating those who may have purchased the tape.

The tape was made by `Gilbert and George`, and approximately 850 rolls were sold at `Tape Art Gallery` in 4 cities including London, Liverpool, St. Eves, and Cornwall.

The suitcase that contained Jin`s body was first found on November 2, but was neglected. It was on the 18th that a local became suspicious of the abnormal weight, and reported it to the police.

Authorities of the U. K. Embassy of Korea reported that North Yorkshire police reported that an Asian woman`s body was found in a Korean-made suitcase, and inquired about the case`s manufacture date and its import. They added that the body was not identified then.

Jei-Gyoon Park phark@donga.com · Hoon Lee dreamland@donga.com