Persisting crime rates necessitate meticulous case-solving and the comprehension of the motives, triggers, and patterns that underlie a criminal’s psyche assumes immense significance. Inspector Lee Sanggyung, an alumna of Ewha, serves as one of the few criminal profilers of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Crime Scene Investigation Bureau. Lee expounded upon her profession while also delving into the thoughts behind the perpetrators of crimes.
Criminal profiling is an investigative technique that requires psychological and sociological proficiency. Unlike forensic science, which collects and analyzes material evidence that is found at the crime scene such as DNA, fingerprints, or drops of blood, criminal profiling analyzes behavioral evidence that is not readily visible such as criminal behavior, verbal testimony, and interactions between the perpetrator and victim.
In her early twenties, Lee wished to directly contribute to society by making positive changes, which eventually led to her interest in criminal psychology. The police agency happened to be recruiting criminal profilers the year Lee was scheduled to graduate, so she was able to apply and enter the police force.
“The more I work with various cases, the more I realize how wide the spectrum is for what perpetrators are like,” Lee said. “As are people in society, perpetrators also exhibit various traits and psychological states.”
Lee explained that because of how diverse the motives behind crimes can be, she tries not to attribute perpetrators to a limited set of characteristics. This also helps her approach each case as they are, without applying any preconceived notions that may alter her perception.
As a criminal profiler, Lee tackles many cases, successfully resolving some while others remain a mystery. When a case is solved, Lee feels a sense of closure as the perpetrator gets sent to prosecution. However, unsolved cases remain unresolved in her mind as well. Lee recalled being given the files on the Daegu Child Sulphuric Acid Terror case of 1999, the case that ultimately led to the removal of the statute of limitations on murder cases. Despite her best efforts, the perpetrator was not caught which broke her heart.
The kidnapping and murder of Lee Hyung- ho, the true crime case behind 2007’s thriller mystery movie “Voice of a Murderer,” is another unresolved case that Lee cannot forget. Known as one of South Korea’s biggest unresolved criminal cases, the kidnapping and murder of Lee Hyung-ho also remains lingering in Lee’s mind.
“Though cases that remain unsolved are the hardest and most stressful, I find solace and motivation in the success of those that are resolved,” Lee confessed. “A case being solved is a reward in itself, compensating for all the distress caused by those unresolved.”
Lee’s time at Ewha provided her with diverse experiences and knowledge that have helped her throughout her career. Lee double majored in sociology and psychology and also minored in women’s studies. Through studying sociology, she learned to approach cases from a structural point of view, while learning to understand individuals’ distinctiveness through studying psychology.
Lee is currently continuing her studies at the Graduate School of Ewha Womans University, studying for a doctorate in developmental psychology.
“Studying psychology again after 15 years is indeed very difficult, but it has been helping me a lot in the work I do,” Lee said. “I feel like myunderstanding of perpetrators has widened, and I have also been able to study recent research materials.”
Lee recommends criminal profiling as a profession for those who enjoy challenging yet dynamic and stimulating work. Though recruitment for criminal profilers is not regularly held, those with a master’s degree in psychology, sociology, or criminology can apply through special recruitments.
Criminal profiling requires analytical skills, as well as a committed interest and affection for humans. Incidents may come where one might be let down by humanity when working as a criminal profiler. However, one must be able to keep persevering.
Lee added that since all cases are worked on in teams, social skills and communication skills would be necessary. Becoming a part of the police force also requires passing a physical fitness test, so she recommended proper preparation as well.
“Criminal profiling is most rewarding whenever I feel that justice has been served,” Lee professed. “Hearing from the investigation team in charge that our work was a lot of help also makes me proud of what I do.”