SBS’ investigative programme Unanswered questions will air a shocking episode on December 6, revealing the disturbing circumstances behind a case in which a locally famous “singing angel” was arrested for allegedly killing his daughter.
Suspicious injuries found on the victim
On September 22 at 4.54pm, a woman in her 40s brought her unconscious daughter to the emergency room in Namhae, begging doctors to save her. Despite immediate medical attention, the 20-year-old college freshman named Lee Seo-yeon (aka) was pronounced dead on arrival.
A hospital staff member recalled: “He kept insisting that his daughter was still alive. When the body was moved to the morgue, he fainted again.”
But what worried the medical staff most were the new bruises and serious burns found all over the young woman’s body.
25 hours of alleged abandonment and the appearance of a cohabiting partner
The mother, whose surname is Kim, was immediately arrested on charges of fatal abandonment. Investigators found that Seo-yeon had been injured at a cultural center where Kim had gone to install audio equipment. She was then left in a vehicle for about 25 hours before being taken to hospital.
Kim denied responsibility for the injuries, instead claiming that his live-in partner, nicknamed Ahn, had beaten the victim so badly that she almost lost her sight and had allegedly sexually assaulted her. Kim has written letters since detention insisting that he did “unjustly accused”.
Authorities are now working to verify conflicting testimonies.
A mother with an impeccable public image and a hidden secret?
Kim was widely admired in her community, known for her volunteer work and warm personality. Locals described her as a “singer with a heavenly heart,” someone who not only held medical credentials from a prestigious university in Seoul, but also won beauty pageants and represented various local organizations as an ambassador.
A dear acquaintance of mine said: “She was so thoughtful and kind that we even called her our ‘singing angel’.”
The contrast between this image and the brutal injuries found on her daughter left many stunned. Was the mother falsely accused or was she hiding a darker truth behind her philanthropic reputation?
Who is the real culprit?
With Kim and her partner pointing fingers at each other, investigators must now untangle a web of contradictions, potential abuse and long-hidden family secrets.
Unanswered questions will examine:
- The cause and timing of her daughter’s injuries
- Whether prolonged abuse or sudden violence played a role
- Testimonies from acquaintances, family members and investigators
- The credibility of Kim’s letters from detention
The episode titled “The Two Faces of the Singing Angel: The Truth Behind the Death of a Daughter” airs on December 6 (Saturday), 11:10 pm (KST).
Sources: Daum
