Late Prosecutor Kim Hong-yeong's Family "Want Honor Restored Through Thorough Investigation Rather Than Apology"

Expressed intention to attend the Prosecutor Investigation Deliberation Committee meeting next week

On the 14th of last month, the family representatives of the late Prosecutor Kim Hong-yeong, who made an extreme choice after suffering verbal abuse and assault from a superior, are holding a press conference at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-dong, Seoul, before submitting an application for convening the Prosecutors' Investigation Deliberation Committee.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] The bereaved family of the late Prosecutor Kim Hong-young expressed that they hope for a thorough investigation and prosecution rather than an apology, following former Chief Prosecutor Kim Dae-hyun’s intention to apologize directly to the family for verbally abusing the late prosecutor.

On the 5th, the family of Prosecutor Kim released a statement saying, “The victim’s family and their representatives confirmed through media reports yesterday that the prosecution investigated the accused chief prosecutor and that he expressed his wish to apologize directly to the bereaved family during the investigation.” They added, “Given that more than four years have passed since Prosecutor Kim passed away, we cannot help but doubt the sincerity of this apology.”

They continued, “What the family wants is not an ‘apology from the suspect’ but a ‘prosecution of those responsible’ through a thorough investigation.” They also added, “Furthermore, the family hopes that Prosecutor Kim’s tarnished honor will be restored through this process.”

The family also stated, “Through the state compensation lawsuit procedure last August, we secured testimonies from colleagues and staff obtained during the internal investigation four years ago, and we were able to confirm more specific details about the circumstances that led Prosecutor Kim to take his own life.” They added, “Next Friday (the 16th), the Prosecutorial Investigation Deliberation Committee will be held. Since this is a venue prepared by citizens, the family, along with their representatives, will attend to convey our position in detail.”

Prosecutor Kim, who worked in the Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office, left a note expressing his work stress and job pressure in May 2016 and took his own life at the age of 33.

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