In a case that has rattled both Tokyo’s expatriate and local communities, Tokyo police arrested a 30-year-old South Korean man, Park Yong-jun, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, on suspicion of murdering his former girlfriend, Bang Ji-won, in the city’s Setagaya Ward. The arrest followed a string of troubling events that began weeks earlier, culminating in a fatal attack that has raised pressing questions about policing, the protection of abuse victims, and the challenges faced by foreign nationals in Japan.
According to Kyodo News, the grim chain of events started when Bang Ji-won, a 40-year-old South Korean national who was self-employed and ran her own business in Tokyo, reported to police on Friday, August 29, that she had been beaten by Park after expressing her desire to end their relationship. Police responded by advising Bang to take shelter at an acquaintance’s home and instructed Park, who had arrived in Tokyo earlier in August, to keep away from her. Despite these warnings, Park was seen near Bang’s residence the following day, prompting police to issue another warning against contacting her.
Bang and Park’s relationship had begun just months earlier, in April 2025, after meeting through a Japanese language learning app. Park arrived in Japan from South Korea on August 23, 2025, and had been staying at Bang’s home in Tokyo’s Minato Ward since his arrival, according to Jiji Press. The brief but intense relationship quickly soured, with Bang seeking help from authorities as tensions escalated.
On Monday, September 1, 2025, the situation took a tragic turn. Bang was found lying on a street in Setagaya Ward, covered in blood, after visiting a nearby building for work. She was unresponsive when emergency services arrived and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Police determined that her throat had been slashed, and the attack occurred around 1:30 p.m., as detailed by Jiji Press.
Within hours of the attack, Park was apprehended at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. He had purchased a ticket for a flight to South Korea and was preparing to leave the country. Police sources told Jiji Press that Park insisted he had not seen Bang that day, though he admitted knowing her. Notably, Park has refused to answer further questions since his arrest, maintaining silence during police interrogations, as reported by both Kyodo News and Jiji Press.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s international crime division is leading the investigation, given the international backgrounds of both the suspect and the victim. According to Japan Times, Bang had recently reached out to the police for help after Park allegedly threatened her with violence, underscoring the real and present danger she faced in the days leading up to her death.
Police attempted to intervene in the days before the killing. After Bang’s initial report of assault on August 29, officers not only advised her to stay with an acquaintance but also escorted Park to Haneda Airport, hoping to separate the pair and prevent further contact. However, authorities later admitted they were unable to keep track of Park’s whereabouts following this intervention, as noted by Kyodo News. The tragic outcome has left many questioning whether more could have been done to protect Bang, and whether existing protocols for handling domestic violence—especially involving foreign nationals—are adequate.
The details of the attack itself remain chilling. Investigators believe that Park used a knife to cut Bang’s neck, causing fatal injuries. The incident took place in a residential district, shocking neighbors and passersby who discovered Bang in distress on the street. Despite rapid medical attention, the injuries proved fatal.
The case has also highlighted the particular vulnerabilities faced by foreign nationals living in Japan. Bang, who had established her own business in Tokyo, was reportedly well-integrated into the local community. Yet, when she sought help, she encountered the limitations of a system that sometimes struggles to bridge language and cultural gaps. The fact that both the victim and the suspect were South Korean nationals has drawn attention from media outlets in both Japan and South Korea, with many expressing concern over the safety of expatriates and the resources available to them in crisis situations.
In a statement to Kyodo News, police officials acknowledged the difficulties involved in monitoring suspects who have not been formally charged or detained, especially when there is an imminent risk of escalation. "We advised her to stay with an acquaintance and told him to stay away," one officer explained, "but unfortunately, we could not keep track of his movements after escorting him to the airport." The incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of restraining orders and better support networks for victims of domestic violence, regardless of nationality.
Park’s silence in police custody has only deepened the sense of unease surrounding the case. Investigators are working to piece together the sequence of events in the hours leading up to Bang’s death, including Park’s movements and any possible premeditation. At the time of his arrest, Park denied seeing Bang that day, though evidence quickly contradicted his claim. Authorities are now reviewing surveillance footage, digital records, and witness statements to build a comprehensive case.
Meanwhile, the community in Setagaya Ward has been left reeling. Local residents expressed shock and sorrow at the violent death that occurred in their midst. "It’s heartbreaking," said one neighbor, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many. Others have voiced concerns about the adequacy of police response and the broader issue of violence against women.
The case has also sparked discussion within the South Korean community in Tokyo. Many expatriates have come forward to share their own experiences of isolation and the challenges of navigating the Japanese legal system. Advocacy groups are urging authorities to offer more accessible resources and culturally sensitive support for foreign nationals facing domestic violence.
As the investigation continues, both Japanese and South Korean authorities are closely monitoring the proceedings. The case is expected to draw significant attention in the coming weeks, not only because of its tragic outcome but also because it raises urgent questions about cross-border relationships, domestic violence prevention, and the responsibilities of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals.
For now, the focus remains on seeking justice for Bang Ji-won and ensuring that her story prompts meaningful change. The tragedy has exposed painful gaps in the system, but it has also galvanized a conversation about how to better protect those at risk—no matter where they come from or where they now call home.
