(LEAD) 1 in cardiac arrest, 7 injured in knife attack in Incheon

Incheon, South Korea experienced a harrowing incident on Tuesday when a man embarked on a stabbing spree at a supermarket located on the second basement floor, just above ground level, according to Namdong Police Station. With knives fastened to both of his hands, the 59-year-old assailant moved swiftly, causing panic among shoppers and injuring seven individuals, while one person went into cardiac arrest. The man was eventually subdued by onlookers and apprehended by police officers who were questioning him in custody.

The suspect, who was found carrying a substantial amount of drugs and wearing an electronic ankle monitor due to a previous conviction, reportedly admitted to consuming drugs prior to the attack. He had been mandated to wear the ankle monitor for ten years following a four-year prison term in 2019, which stemmed from an attempt to murder his ex-wife.

In response to the tragic event, the Justice Ministry expressed deep regret for the public concern caused by the incident and vowed to thoroughly investigate the management of electronic monitoring and supervision systems, promising swift improvements and additional measures. Additionally, Acting Chief of the National Police Agency, Kim Jong-chul, instructed police forces nationwide to swiftly and thoroughly investigate the attack and enforce stricter preventive measures, including increasing police personnel presence in crowded public areas.