Sin Chang-won

Who is Sin Chang-won?

Sin Chang-won is a South Korean criminal who gained notoriety after escaping from prison in 1997 and evading police for over two years. Despite a nationwide manhunt, he narrowly avoided arrest on many occasions. While some dubbed him a "Robin Hood" or "Hong Gil-dong" for his donation of a part of his proceeds to the needy and his ability to evade his pursuers, Korean authorities objected to this characterization, and noted that it originated in the overseas press. Regardless, his story attracted wide public fascination and sympathy, and he even inspired a fad for the colorful Missoni T-shirt that he was wearing when he was finally captured.