It’s been two weeks since a woman with ties to a man accused in a Burnaby murder was last seen. Now Kyonghee Kim’s family is speaking out.
On Tuesday, Kim’s daughter, who was not named, released a statement through Surrey RCMP in hopes of finding her mother.
“She has never gone missing before and it is out of character for her to be gone for this long,” part of her statement read. “She has always been a supportive, loving parent and a best friend to me, and she always considered family as her number one priority. My mother and I have especially shared a strong bond as we have been there for each other through the toughest times. She has always been my primary source of encouragement and she is the reason for who I am today.”
As of Tuesday, police were still searching for Youngku Youn, the man suspected of killing his ex-wife Hee Sook Youn in Burnaby.
Hee Sook Youn’s body was found in her Burnaby business on Oct. 5. The next day, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team identified Youngku Youn, 60, as the suspect, and was nowhere to be found.
A week later, IHIT was asked for the public’s help finding Kim, 54, who police believe is Youngku Youn’s girlfriend and who may be with him. Investigators said Kim had not been in contact with anyone since Oct. 5. The RCMP is concerned for her safety.
Surrey RCMP are handling the search for Kim, while IHIT is investigating the homicide.
Police noted investigators found Kim’s vehicle in Golden Ears Park on Oct. 8 and determined the vehicle had been in the area of the park since the evening of Oct. 5.
“My mom has never failed to express her love and care as she would not only remind us daily how much she loves us but her actions always spoke louder than words,” Kim’s daughter said. “Therefore, her absence feels bigger than ever as our family waits for her return. Her safe return would mean a lot to me and my family. We sincerely ask anyone who may know anything about where my mom may be to please come forward. Thank you. God bless. Mom, if you are reading this, I’m worried about you and I want to know that you are OK. Please call me.”
Police also released an updated photo of Kim in a jacket that she may have been wearing at the time of her disappearance.
