UIRYEONG, SOUTH KOREA – APRIL 26, 1982 The Uiryeong massacre, also known as the Woo Bum-kon incident, is an event that left a deep scar in South Korean history. It took place on April 26, 1982, in the small village of Torong-ri in Uiryeong County, South Gyeongsang Province. This tragedy, in which 56 people lost their lives, is one of the worst cases of mass murder in modern South Korean history.
The main perpetrator was 27-year-old Woo Bum-kon, a former soldier and then a police officer. The incident began at night after Woo had a conflict with his girlfriend. Following an argument that reportedly upset him, he started consuming alcohol. In a state of heavy intoxication, he decided to vent his anger in a brutal manner.
Woo took a rifle, grenades, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from the local police station. He then embarked on a several-hour rampage through nearby villages. He went from house to house, shooting people and throwing grenades. Entire families, including children and the elderly, became victims.
- One of those locations 1
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- Map of the massacre 1
- Map of the massacre 2
- Map of the massacre 3
The massacre ended when Woo took three villagers hostage and detonated a grenade, killing himself and his captives. A total of 56 people were killed, and another 35 were injured.
Woo Bum-kon was described as a person struggling with personal issues, including psychological instability. Some experts believe his behavior may have been the result of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his military service. The events of that night were likely triggered by a combination of his frustrations, alcohol, and access to military weapons.
The massacre shocked the entire nation and sparked intense debate about gun control, mental health, and failures in security measures. The public questioned how a police officer could have such easy access to military weapons and ammunition.
The South Korean government tightened gun control regulations following the incident, including restricting the distribution of firearms and ammunition among police forces. Emphasis was also placed on psychological evaluations of armed forces personnel.
Although more than 40 years have passed since this tragedy, the Uiryeong massacre remains a reminder of how devastating the consequences of individual failures and systemic shortcomings can be. Memorial events are regularly held in the local community to honor the victims of that horrific night.
The Uiryeong massacre is one of the most tragic events in South Korea’s history. Its impact extended beyond the country’s borders, serving as a warning to the world about the necessity of preventing similar incidents. This tragedy remains a painful reminder of the importance of addressing mental health, controlling weapons, and preventing violence in communities.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woo_Bum-kon_incident