A Deadly Obsession with True Crime in Korea

A shocking murder rocks South Korea when a young woman, obsessed with true crime stories, kills a random stranger to satisfy her darkest curiosity. But how can fascination with real-life murder cases spiral into deadly actions?

Are true crime podcasts and shows fueling dangerous fantasies? Can constant exposure to violence blur the line between entertainment and reality? We investigate the chilling case, examine the media's responsibility, and ask: Does true crime content do more harm than good?

True Crime Reports is nominated for the Signal Awards for Most Innovative Video Podcast and Best True Crime Podcast. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote True Crime Reports for Best True Crime Podcast.

In this episode: 

• Dr Alex Taek-Gwang Lee (@Worldless), Professor of cultural studies at Kyong Hee University
• Craig Wainwright, Victim of false accusations

Episode credits: 

This episode was written and produced by Anna Staufenberg and hosted by Halla Mohieddeen.

Executive Producer: Ney Alvarez

Production Manager: Bronte Baskin

Senior Producers: Marthe van der Wolf 

Post-Production Supervisor: Andrés Rivera

Assistant Producers: Leo Danczak and Catherine Nouhan

Fact-checking by Ruby Zaman, Catherine Nouhan, and Rached El-Moctar

Audio editing by Alan Leer

Music composition by Tom Biddle

Lead of Engagement: Aya Elmileik

Engagement Producers: Adam Abou-Gad, Munera AlDosari, and Vienna Maglio

Al Jazeera’s Head of Audio: Ney Alvarez

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