A woman in her 20s was arrested in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, Korea after threatening supermarket staff and customers with two knives while wearing a cat mask.
The incident happened at 7:23 PM local time on August 2, 2025. Police charged the suspect with illegally possessing dangerous weapons in a public place. The scene unfolded in the toy section of a large supermarket in Okpo-dong.
The woman entered the store wearing a cat mascot mask and gloves. CCTV footage from the National Police Agency’s YouTube channel shows her walking through aisles quietly at first. She appeared to be watching other shoppers.
She then pulled out two knives and began waving them overhead. The footage shows her holding both weapons up high while moving through different store sections.
Children ran away when they saw her raise the knives and walk toward them. Other shoppers scattered as the masked woman continued brandishing the weapons.
Store employees tried talking her down. They backed off when she moved closer while still gripping the knives. She ignored staff demands to drop the weapons.
The woman ran straight at employees who had grabbed umbrellas for protection. Workers retreated as she approached with knives still raised.
Police arrived and aimed a Taser at her. Officers commanded her to drop the knives. The suspect eventually sat down. Police subdued and arrested her immediately.
Nobody was hurt during the incident. Staff and police response prevented injuries to shoppers and employees.
Police questioned the woman after her arrest. She answered every question by meowing. Officers asked about other weapons and why she carried knives. She replied “meow” and “I can’t tell you, meow.”
Police asked if she had a mobile phone. She responded: “Why would I tell you that, meow.”
Police confirmed the woman has a history of mental illness. She was placed under compulsory psychiatric hospitalization following her arrest.
