Family of North Korean-Killed Official Reveals President Moon's Reply: "I Will Take Care of It"

President Moon's Reply Letter: "I Promise to Personally Take Care"
Bereaved Families Submit Information Disclosure Request to the Korea Coast Guard

President Moon Jae-in's Reply to the Son of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Official Killed by North Korean Soldiers

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The bereaved family of Mr. Lee, a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official who was shot dead by North Korean soldiers in the northern waters of Soyeonpyeongdo in the West Sea, publicly shared the reply letter (photo) they received from President Moon Jae-in on the 14th. In the letter, President Moon stated, "I promise to personally ensure that all processes are conducted transparently and that the truth is uncovered." This letter is a response to a handwritten letter sent by Mr. Lee's son to the president on the 8th, asking, "Please restore my father's honor so that our family can live without despair."

However, the bereaved family, who disclosed the president's reply, dismissed the possibility of Mr. Lee defecting to the North and submitted an information disclosure request to the Korea Coast Guard. At a press conference held before submitting the request, Mr. Lee's elder brother, Lee Rae-jin, said, "The honor of my wronged brother's death has been trampled on, and the pain of being torn apart cannot be replaced by anyone," urging, "The Coast Guard should calmly assess all circumstances and promptly conclude the investigation."

Previously, the Korea Coast Guard announced interim investigation results concluding that Mr. Lee was shot by North Korean soldiers while attempting to defect to the North. In response, Mr. Lee's son sent a letter to the president asking, "Do you really think it makes sense that my father, who never professionally learned to swim, swam 38 km against the current?" and demanded that the Coast Guard disclose materials related to the interim investigation results. Mr. Lee's elder brother also argued, "The 38 km announced by the authorities is over 20 nautical miles. This distance is more than 2.5 times the horizon," and questioned, "Do you think it is possible to swim holding onto floating objects for that distance?" expressing distrust in the Coast Guard's interim investigation results.

Meanwhile, in the reply letter, President Moon said, "My heart ached deeply throughout reading your letter, which is filled with profound respect and sorrow for your father," and conveyed, "I deeply understand the feelings of a son who lost his father." He added, "Currently, the Coast Guard and the military are investigating various situations and are making every effort to find your father," and requested, "Please wait for the Coast Guard's investigation and search results. I hope you take care of your mother and siblings with a strong heart and endure these hardships."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.