When a beloved tree began withering away, locals suspected a killer in their midst

Image source, Jung When a beloved tree began withering away, locals suspected a killer in their midst By Yujin Choi , BBC Korean , Reporting from Seoul and Koh Ewe Published 27 minutes ago Every summer, Seoul turns a deep green, growing dense and lush under humid skies.

But this year, one tree was visibly suffering.

"Green leaves were falling to the ground, which shouldn't happen at that time of year," recalls Jung, who lives near the streetside ginkgo in Buam-dong, a largely residential neighbourhood in the north of Seoul.

The tree is beloved by locals, who believe it has occupied its spot for more than 100 years. So Jung couldn't ignore what she was seeing. With each passing day, her curiosity turned to concern.