Kim So-young, aged 20, is set to face her first trial on April 9 for her alleged involvement in the death of two men after providing them with a drink laced with drugs at a motel in the Gangbuk area of Seoul. She has been indicted on charges of murder, special injury, and violations of narcotics laws, with the court hearing scheduled at the Seoul Northern District Court. The prosecution contends that her actions constitute a planned crime driven by abnormal motives, having occurred between mid-December and the previous month.

Throughout the investigative process, Kim denied any intent to kill. However, law enforcement agencies have highlighted that she utilized artificial intelligence services, such as ChatGPT, to learn that excessive consumption of the drugs could lead to death. This circumstance raises significant questions about her intent, which will be a central point of contention during the upcoming trial. The prosecution has already passed her personal information through a review committee, making her name, age, and image public in light of the severity of the charges.

Moreover, following Kim's transfer to custody on March 19, the police have identified two additional potential victims connected to her actions, suggesting that the investigation may widen further. As the trial date approaches, the legal community and public await to see how the court addresses the dual challenges of proving criminal intent and interpreting her premeditated planning in a case that has raised considerable media interest and societal concern about crime and safety in local hospitality venues.