METRO

Korean fugitive now behind bars

Alvin Murcia · May 23, 2025, 10:54 PM

ARRESTED. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago (seated, center) and other NBI officials present Korean fugitive Jang Seong Woong to the media on Friday (May 23, 2025). Woong, who was arrested in Pasay City on May 22, is facing charges related to gang violence in his home country. — Photo courtesy of NBI PIO

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has apprehended a fugitive South Korean national in an operation in Pasay City, the agency announced Friday.

The NBI-Organized and Transnational Crime Division, under the leadership of NBI director Jaime B. Santiago, arrested Jang Seong Woong as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen international relations.

The arrest followed official communication from the Senior Consul of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), identifying Jang as an undesirable alien posing a public safety and security risk due to his fugitive status.

An Interpol Red Notice had been issued for Jang following a warrant of arrest from the Daegu District Court for serious physical injury and kidnapping under Korean law.

According to reports, Jang and other gang members allegedly detained and severely assaulted a victim with a baseball bat over gambling debts, causing multiple injuries.

Verification with the BI confirmed that Jang arrived in the Philippines as a tourist on 1 May 2017, initially granted a 30-day stay. He subsequently applied for extensions, with his latest extension expiring on 28 January 2020.