A 25-year-old Chinese postgraduate student has been found dead in South Korea after disappearing for six days, with police arresting a man in his 30s in connection with the case.
The woman, identified only by her surname initial A, was studying at Daegu Catholic University in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province. She had travelled to South Korea on 14 August to collect documentation related to her postgraduate studies and was expected to return to China shortly afterwards.
According to reports, the student remained in regular contact with her family between 14 and 19 August. There were reportedly no obvious signs of anything being wrong during that period.
However, she lost contact with her family and friends at around 8pm on 20 August after separating from a friend near Daegu Catholic University.
Her last known location was reportedly around Dongdaegu Station, prompting her Korean friend to contact police the following day. Officers subsequently conducted searches in the area in an attempt to locate her.
Police Discover Student’s Body At Suspect’s Home
As the investigation progressed, South Korean authorities reportedly identified signs suggesting that the disappearance could be linked to a crime.
Police eventually focused their investigation on a man in his 30s who lived in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan, in North Gyeongsang Province.
On the evening of 25 August, officers went to the suspect’s residence with an arrest warrant. The man was arrested at approximately 7.29pm.
Police subsequently discovered the missing student’s body inside the property. Authorities confirmed that she had died, bringing the six-day search for the Chinese student to a tragic conclusion.
South Korean authorities have reportedly arrested the man on suspicion of murder. The investigation remains ongoing as officers work to establish what happened to the student after she disappeared.
The Chinese Consulate-General in Busan also confirmed the student’s death after verifying the case with South Korean police. It has requested a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action against the suspect.
Student Had Already Purchased Flight Home
Further details have emerged about the student’s plans before her disappearance.
Reports said she had already purchased a return flight from Incheon International Airport to Changchun for 23 August. She was expected to return to China and subsequently begin work at a new employer.
Her sudden disappearance therefore came just days before her planned journey home.
During her time in South Korea, the student had also visited Pyeongsan Bookstore in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province. A photograph circulated online reportedly showed her posing with former South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the location.
Following her disappearance, friends and people close to her circulated missing-person appeals on social media, providing details of her arrival in South Korea and her last known movements.
The case has since attracted attention among Chinese communities and international students, particularly because the student was reportedly preparing to return home when she disappeared.
South Korean police are expected to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, while the Chinese consulate is providing assistance to her family with the necessary arrangements.