Korean fakes own kidnapping, seeks $5,000 ransom from mom

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A Korean based in the province of Aklan may be charged for faking his own kidnapping to reportedly compel his mother in South Korea to send money for his ransom.

Yoo Jin-Woon, 38, of South Gyeongsang, South Korea, reportedly sent his mother a photograph showing him in captivity. The picture showed him kneeling with his hands tied at the back.

Yoo told his mother that his kidnappers were asking $5,000 in exchange for his release.

Fearing for the life of her son, the mother asked the help of the South Korean authorities, who contacted their embassy in Manila.

The South Korean embassy sought the help of the Anti-Kidnapping Task Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PNP regional anti-kidnapping task group- Visayas moved to rescue Yoo based on information supplied by the PNP headquarters.

“We found out that the ‘victim’ was staying with his girlfriend in Barangay Camanci Norte in Numancia town,” Maj. Nestor Acebuche, chief of the PNP regional anti-kidnapping task group-Visayas, said.

Authorities initially thought that Yoo’s girlfriend Florefe Mae Bolido was involved in the alleged kidnapping.

On Saturday, police raided the house where Yoo was supposedly held captive and found him unharmed and unrestrained.

Yoo confessed to authorities that he made up his kidnapping so his mother would send money to pay for his ransom.

Yoo said he needed money as he lost his job as a tour guide.

Police are studying the filing of unjust vexation case against Yoo.