Korean national shot, killed in Guam by robber

Social Affairs

Published: 05 Jan. 2024, 09:43 Updated: 06 Jan. 2024, 12:30

Korean national shot, killed in Guam by robber

Kim In-kook, head of the Korean consulate in Guam, third from right, Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, fourth from right, and Guam police department chief Stephen Ignacio, second from left, speak at a press conference on the island on Friday. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

A Korean national was shot to death in Guam on Thursday by an armed robber, the Foreign Ministry said.

The victim, who was visiting Guam, was hospitalized but later pronounced dead.

Guam police department chief Stephen Ignacio told the press that the victim, a Korean man, was walking back to his hotel in Tumon with his wife at around 7:40 p.m. on Thursday when a dark-colored SUV approached them from behind.

"The passenger exited the vehicle brandishing a firearm and demanded for their belongings," Ignacio told the press, according to Pacific Daily News. "A struggle ensued, and at which point the suspect then discharged the firearm."

Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero shared her condolences in the same press conference to the family members of the Korean victim and asked anyone who has information about the suspects to contact the authorities.

The police were still searching for the suspects, two men, as of Friday.

Kim In-kook, head of the Korean consulate in Guam, vowed to continue to provide all assistance needed for the bereaved family, speaking in the same press conference.

BY ESTHER CHUNG [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]