Lee Ho‑seong was born on July 17, 1967, in South Korea and rose to become a beloved figure in Korean baseball. He debuted with the Haitai Tigers in 1990, making an immediate impact. Over his 12-year KBO career, he maintained a solid .272 batting average and hit 102 home runs. His leadership skills shone through when he was named team captain in 1999 and 2000, and again when he became president of the players' union in 2001. Lee was admired for his calm presence and strength on the field—a powerful hitter affectionately called a "force of nature."

After retiring in 2001, Lee ventured into business. He opened a wedding planning firm in Gwangju, which initially did well before collapsing under financial pressures by 2003. An arrest for investment fraud soon followed, further rattling his reputation and personal life, ultimately contributing to a family separation. Undeterred, he later tried a virtual horse‑racing arcade, but amid regulatory crackdowns on gambling, it failed too.

These setbacks drove Lee deeper into debt. He allegedly amassed roughly $250,000 in liabilities. In 2006, he befriended Kim Yeon‑suk, a sushi restaurant owner, and her three daughters. Public reports and CCTV indicate they grew close, and Lee was seen frequently at their apartment.

On February 18, 2008, Lee Ho‑seong faced a crossroads. Late that night, he visited Kim's apartment in Seoul. Security footage captured him entering and leaving several times carrying large black duffel bags. By morning, the 46‑year‑old mother and her three daughters had vanished. One daughter, who likely was not home for a performance rehearsal, was later discovered to have been lured out separately and fatally attacked. 

Investigators discovered a fresh grave dug near Lee’s father’s tomb in South Jeolla Province. Inside lay the remains of four victims: three girls and their mother. Autopsies revealed strangulation as the cause of death, with the eldest daughter also showing signs of blunt-force trauma. 

Lee’s body was retrieved from the Han River on March 10, 2008, confirmed as suicide—likely by drowning. A small suicide note was found, apologizing to his family and former teammates, but it offered no explanation for his horrific actions.

Police established a likely motive: deep financial desperation, possibly fueled by debts and failed business investments. Just days before the murders, Kim Yeon‑suk withdrew ₩170 million (approx. $123,000) from her accounts, which investigators believe Lee coerced. During interviews, forensic analysts and criminal psychologists speculated the murders were premeditated, citing Lee’s purchase of duffel bags and the orchestrated burial setup.