Police in Tokyo received an emergency call at 1:35pm local time on 1 September 2025 reporting a woman covered in blood had collapsed on a street. A man had fled the scene.
Fatal Attack Follows Previous Assault Reports to Japanese Police
Ms Bang Ji Won, a 40-year-old South Korean woman, was found with her throat slashed in a residential neighbourhood in Setagaya ward. The location was approximately 500 metres northeast of Komazawa University station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi line.
She was working in the area when the attack occurred. The victim was rushed to hospital unconscious but later pronounced dead.
The attacker was identified as Park Yongjun, a 30-year-old South Korean man who had been in a relationship with Ms Bang. He had flown from South Korea to Japan and confronted her for trying to break up with him.
Park was arrested three hours later at Haneda Airport on suspicion of murder. Blood was found on his clothing when he was detained. He has exercised his right to remain silent and refused to answer questions during the investigation.
Previous Domestic Violence Reports and Police Intervention Failed
Ms Bang had previously sought help from Japanese authorities regarding Park’s violent behaviour. On 29 August 2025, she reported to police that her boyfriend had flown from South Korea to Japan and attacked her after she attempted to break up with him.
Park had arrived in Tokyo earlier in August. Following Ms Bang’s complaint, police officers visited her home on 30 August and warned Park to stay away from her. They also instructed him to find different accommodation during his stay in Japan.
Officers advised Ms Bang to stay at an acquaintance’s home for her safety.
Park told police he planned to go sightseeing in Osaka before returning to South Korea. However, he was spotted near Ms Bang’s home on 30 August, prompting police to issue another warning against contacting her.
Airport Security Measures Could Not Prevent Return
Police officers accompanied Park to Haneda Airport, where he had a plane ticket to South Korea. He went through security procedures, but authorities were unable to maintain surveillance of his whereabouts after this point.
Despite the police escort and security measures, Park managed to return and carry out the fatal attack on Ms Bang.
Investigations are ongoing.
Here’s the REAL reason why everyone is hanging plushies on their bags, simplified for you:
