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New Zealand Woman Guilty of Murdering Two Children

9/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Hakyung Lee, a New Zealand citizen, was found guilty of murdering Yuna Jo (8) and Minu Jo (6).
The jury deliberated for two hours.
Bodies were found in suitcases at a storage auction in August 2022, believed dead three to four years.
Extradited in November 2022 after fleeing; she faces a maximum life sentence, with sentencing set for November 26.

History

Historical Context

In 2011, Anders Breivik's mass shooting in Norway, which killed 77 people, prompted a national reevaluation of mental health and criminal justice laws. Similarly, the 1997 Itaewon murder case involving Arthur Patterson and Hakyung Lee highlighted systemic failures in addressing domestic violence and child safety, leading to ongoing calls for legal reforms in South Korea and beyond.

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Story summary

Hakyung Lee, a New Zealand citizen, was found guilty of murdering Yuna Jo (8) and Minu Jo (6).
The jury deliberated for two hours.
Bodies were found in suitcases at a storage auction in August 2022, believed dead three to four years.
Extradited in November 2022 after fleeing; she faces a maximum life sentence, with sentencing set for November 26.

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