Fugitive Charged in 2002 Queens Stabbing Death After 24 Years on the Run

Ho 'Alex' Shin, 43, was extradited from South Korea to face murder charges for the 2002 killing of Hyun Dae Kim, 22, over a 'perceived instance of disrespect'.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A man who allegedly stabbed a 22-year-old to death in Queens, New York in 2002 and then fled to South Korea has been extradited back to the United States to face murder charges. Ho 'Alex' Shin, now 43 years old, is accused of unleashing a brutal attack on Hyun Dae Kim inside an apartment in Flushing, Queens on January 6, 2002, killing Kim and injuring another man. Shin allegedly told acquaintances he 'needed to get out of town' after the incident and evaded capture for over 24 years until authorities in South Korea located him and sent him back to New York to face justice.

Why it matters

This case highlights the persistence of law enforcement in tracking down fugitives, even decades after a crime is committed. It also underscores the challenges of international extradition and the lengths some suspects will go to avoid prosecution. The fatal stabbing over a 'perceived instance of disrespect' also raises questions about violence and conflict resolution in local communities.

The details

According to prosecutors, Shin and Kim were part of a group that had been out together on the night of January 6, 2002. At some point, Shin briefly left the apartment they were gathered in and called a 16-year-old boy, telling him to bring two knives. When Shin returned with the teen, they burst into the apartment and began stabbing Kim multiple times. The deadly attack was allegedly in retaliation for 'a perceived instance of disrespect that took place earlier in the night.' Kim's friend, Hyun Suk Yu, tried to intervene and was also stabbed, though he survived. The 16-year-old suspect was arrested the same day, but Shin fled to South Korea, evading capture for over 24 years until he was finally extradited back to New York to face charges.

  • The fatal stabbing occurred around 5:10 a.m. on January 6, 2002 inside an apartment in Flushing, Queens.
  • Shin fled to South Korea shortly after the incident in 2002.
  • Shin was located in South Korea and extradited back to New York on February 13, 2026.

The players

Ho 'Alex' Shin

A 43-year-old man who is accused of stabbing 22-year-old Hyun Dae Kim to death in Queens in 2002 and then fleeing to South Korea to avoid prosecution.

Hyun Dae Kim

A 22-year-old man who was fatally stabbed by Shin in a Flushing, Queens apartment in 2002.

Hyun Suk Yu

A friend of Hyun Dae Kim who was also stabbed by Shin when he tried to intervene, but survived the attack.

Melinda Katz

The Queens District Attorney who announced the charges against Shin after he was extradited from South Korea.

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What they’re saying

“No matter how much time passes, we do not give up on our victims and their families. Through steadfast collaboration with our federal and international law enforcement partners — including authorities in South Korea — my Extraditions Unit and Homicide Bureau located the defendant abroad and secured his return to Queens.”

— Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney

What’s next

Shin is scheduled to return to court on February 17 for further proceedings. If convicted, he faces 50 years to life in prison.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the long reach of law enforcement and the importance of international cooperation in tracking down fugitives, even decades after a crime is committed. It also underscores the lasting impact of violence and the need for communities to find constructive ways to address conflicts and prevent such tragedies.