Baek Byung-ok was born in South Korea in 1974. By the age of 20, he had already committed two crimes categorized under "special robbery," indicating a pattern of aggressive criminal behavior before his association with organized violence. Little is publicly documented about his early life, childhood, or education, but it is known that like many of the other members of the Chijon Family, Baek worked at construction sites prior to joining the gang. His socioeconomic background likely paralleled that of his fellow members: limited education, unstable employment, and exposure to the harsh realities of working-class poverty in early 1990s South Korea.

Baek became involved with the Chijon Family in 1993, after being recruited by gang leader Kim Gi-hwan. The gang, which began as a gathering of disgruntled and violent ex-convicts, was driven by hatred for the wealthy and a desire for power, revenge, and financial gain. Baek, already familiar with robbery and street crime, fit easily into the group's escalating plans for abduction, extortion, and murder.

They trained with weapons and explosives, acquired a large arsenal, and operated from a hidden facility equipped with makeshift prison cells and an incinerator. Their mission was to kidnap and kill rich people, extort their wealth, and destroy any trace of evidence.

Baek Byung-ok’s descent into organized mass murder began in 1993, when the Chijon Family carried out their first known killing. On July 18, 1993, the gang abducted and gang-raped a 20-year-old woman named Miss Choi under a bridge before murdering her. Although she was not wealthy, the act was considered a “practice run.” Baek was involved in this killing, which set the tone for the brutal tactics the gang would later use.

The gang's second known victim was one of their own. In August 1993, they executed 18-year-old member Song Bong-un for stealing 3 million won and attempting to flee. Song’s execution involved a gunshot to the head and a shallow grave. The murder demonstrated the gang’s brutal internal code: betrayal meant death.

In September 1994, the gang abducted a couple from a motel area after mistaking them for the wealthy based on their vehicle—a Hyundai Grandeur, a luxury model at the time. The male victim, a 34-year-old musician, was killed after being suffocated by his girlfriend, Lee Jeong-su, under the gang’s pressure. Baek and others raped Lee and used her as a coerced accomplice.

Days later, on September 13, 1994, the group abducted Mr. So and Mrs. Park, believing them to be rich factory owners. They extorted 80 million won, then executed the couple and forced Lee to assist in their murder using an air gun. Their bodies were dismembered and burned in the gang’s hidden incinerator. The members, including Baek, allegedly consumed parts of the victims' flesh in a horrific attempt to rid themselves of humanity.

Baek remained active in these murders, though exact roles in each vary by report. When gang member Lee Jeong-su escaped and reported the crimes to the police, a full investigation followed. The police tracked down Baek and other members after tracing a stolen cell phone and using deception to lure them into a trap.

Baek was arrested on September 19, 1994, and charged with multiple counts of murder, abduction, rape, and conspiracy. He showed no remorse throughout the trial. On November 1, 1994, Baek and five other male gang members were sentenced to death. Just a year later, on November 2, 1995, all were executed by hanging at Seoul Detention Center.