Choi Chung-rak, 59, who is accused of attempting to kill 10 people by wielding a knife at a large commercial building in Incheon, is transferred from the Incheon Namdong Police Station to the Incheon District Prosecution Service on Oct. 23. [Yonhap]
Choi Chung-rak, 59, who is accused of attempting to kill 10 people by wielding a knife at a large commercial building in Incheon, is transferred from the Incheon Namdong Police Station to the Incheon District Prosecution Service on Oct. 23. [Yonhap]

"Every time I visit, I stroke her all over and play voice messages of encouragement sent by her friends and young musical theater actors she admires."

The mother of Na Ye-sol, 19, who was left in critical condition after being attacked in a knife rampage by Choi Chung-rak, 59, at a large commercial building in Incheon, made the remarks in a phone interview with Yonhap on Saturday.

Na's mother said part of her daughter's brain had been damaged and that she could not be certain what condition Na would be in when Na woke up. Medical staff had told her, however, that Na was "breathing on her own about half the time, and that her vital signs — including blood pressure and pulse — are good."

"As long as she doesn't get worse, I think my daughter is getting better," Na's mother said.

Na had attended a video-editing hagwon class on Oct. 13 and gone to a restaurant in the C&C Building in Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, with an acquaintance during the lunch hour when Choi attacked.

Na was found in cardiac arrest at the scene and remains in intensive care.

Na's story has moved countless people.

Na's mother said she counts down the days to the twice-weekly visits allowed at the hospital. Each visit lasts only 15 minutes, but for the mother it is a precious chance to see and touch her daughter.

"I also play her favorite musical songs and trot music to help her find her strength," Na's mother said.

"I feel sorry that there isn't more I can do, and I'm overcome by a guilt I can't quite explain," Na's mother added.

On days without visits, a nurse calls to update her on Na's condition. "When they tell me 'she was the same as yesterday,' that is hope to me," Na's mother said.

Na's mother said medical staff had told her "recovery will likely take a long time to see through," and that while various organizations were currently providing ample support, it was unclear how long treatment would continue.

Na's mother also said Na's friends had stepped forward on their own to propose fundraising, and that the Incheon Crime Victim Support Center and the Incheon Community Chest of Korea had agreed to help.

"It feels like I've gained a few more daughters," Na's mother said.

It remains unclear when Na will regain consciousness. The Incheon Community Chest of Korea plans to collect donations through the end of the year and, after a review and approval process, deliver the funds to the victim's family.

Choi's claim he attacked to 'attract attention' draws public outrage

Choi Chung-rak, 59, who is accused of attempting to kill 10 people by wielding a knife at a large commercial building in Incheon, is transferred from the Incheon Namdong Police Station to the Incheon District Prosecution Service on Oct. 23. [Yonhap]
Choi Chung-rak, 59, who is accused of attempting to kill 10 people by wielding a knife at a large commercial building in Incheon, is transferred from the Incheon Namdong Police Station to the Incheon District Prosecution Service on Oct. 23. [Yonhap]

Meanwhile, Choi drew widespread public anger after telling police during questioning that he "committed the crime to make news and attract attention in order to publicize his grievances to society," and that he "did not target anyone specific but chose people who looked weaker than him," according to Yonhap.

Choi had 10 prior convictions resulting in fines or heavier penalties, including two previous attempted murder offenses, and was wearing an electronic ankle monitor at the time of the attack.

The Incheon District Prosecution Service extended Choi's detention by 10 days, according to legal sources.

A court recently approved the prosecution's extension request, pushing back Choi's detention — which had been set to expire Sunday — to Nov. 11.

The prosecution, which received the case on Oct. 23, plans to indict Choi while in detention after reviewing investigative materials, likely in early November.

Choi is accused of entering the C&C Building — which houses a hypermarket, a movie theater and other facilities — at around 1:48 p.m. on Oct. 13 and stabbing 10 people with knives taped to both hands in an attempt to kill them.

Na and seven others were classified as injured, while the remaining two were not physically harmed.


yul@heraldcorp.com