South Korean man, 24, who fatally stabbed high school girl, 17, says he did so while contemplating suicide

A man in South Korea stabbed a female high school student to death and injured another who tried to help her on May 5.

The 24-year-old suspect, surnamed Jang, later told police he acted without a clear motive.

He said he made the decision while contemplating suicide, reported The Korea Herald.

Attack

The incident occurred at around 12:11am on May 5 on a pedestrian path near Nambu University in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju.

The victim, 17, was allegedly stabbed while she was walking home alone.

She was taken to a hospital but later declared dead.

A male high school student reportedly heard her scream and went to help the victim, but he was also attacked.

He did not sustain life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Had suicidal thoughts

Police officials said Jang had been having suicidal thoughts before deciding to carry out the attack.

No other details on the motive have been provided at the moment.

Authorities believe Jang parked his car nearby and searched for a target before spotting the victim.

After the attack, he allegedly fled by switching between a private vehicle and a taxi to avoid being caught.

He was arrested about 11 hours later, at around 11:24 am, on a street near his residence close to the crime scene.

Investigations are ongoing.