Choi Chung-rak, 59, who wounded shoppers in a knife attack at a large commercial complex in Incheon, told police he had also considered a day care center as a target, according to reports.
The Dong-A Ilbo reported on the 17th that Choi told investigators he had thought about making a day care center the target on the day of the attack, but decided against it because the idea struck him as going too far.
Choi is accused of attempting to murder 10 people by stabbing them with a knife at a large commercial complex in Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, at about 1:48 p.m. on the 13th. Eight people were injured. Among the victims, a 19-year-old woman was taken to a hospital in cardiac arrest and underwent emergency surgery, but has not yet regained consciousness.
Choi had earlier received treatment for a skin condition at a hospital and, dissatisfied with the outcome, staged a one-man protest in front of the building, police found. After the hospital reported him and he came under police investigation, he decided to carry out the attack to draw attention to his situation, investigators said.
Choi has been punished twice before for attempted murder. He also has a total of 10 prior offenses that drew penalties of a fine or heavier. He was wearing an electronic anklet at the time of the attack and was required to wear it until 2029.
The Incheon District Court held a pre-detention hearing for Choi on the 16th and issued an arrest warrant, citing a risk of flight. Ahead of the hearing, asked by reporters whether he had anything to say to the victims, Choi said, "I am sorry. I have committed a crime deserving death." Police convened a committee on the disclosure of personal information on the 16th and decided to release Choi's name, age and photograph.
Police searched Choi's residence in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, on the 17th and seized notebooks and documents.