Brother of North Korean Military-Shooting Civil Servant Requests Coast Guard to Stop Searching for Brother and Switch to Monitoring Illegal Fishing (Comprehensive)

Irae-jin: "Grand Decision on the Hardships of Seohae 5 Islands Residents"

Mr. Lee Rae-jin, the brother of Mr. A, a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official who was shot and killed by North Korean soldiers while drifting at sea near Yeonpyeong Island in the West Sea, is holding a "press conference requesting information disclosure" in front of the Blue House Fountain in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 28th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Lee Rae-jin (55), the older brother of Lee Mo (47), a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official who died after being shot by North Korean forces, requested the Coast Guard to suspend the search on the morning of the 29th.

Lee stated in a post on his social network service (SNS) that day, "I called the Coast Guard's Rescue and Safety Bureau to request the suspension of my younger brother's search," and added, "I deeply appreciate the efforts made during the search and asked for a shift in the surveillance system against illegal Chinese fishing vessels."

He also added, "I made this decision considering the hardships faced by fishermen from the West Sea Five Islands."

Earlier, Lee had written, "It seems I have to make a very difficult and heavy decision," and "I think I need to request the Coast Guard to stop the search for my younger brother."

In particular, Lee explained the reason for requesting the suspension of the search, saying, "I heard recently that illegal Chinese fishing vessels have been rampant in the West Sea, and I have been deeply troubled," and "Considering the hardships of fishermen related to anchor nets and fixed nets, which are connected to the livelihoods of the West Sea Five Islands residents, I thought a lot for several days and told my sister-in-law and nephew that I would make a decision."

He also said, "I thought about the hardships that the soldiers on the Coast Guard and Navy ships would face if the weather worsens during the cold winter," and "I am making this heavy decision from a broader perspective."

Lee expressed, "I bow my head in deep gratitude and respect to the West Sea Fisheries Management Unit, the Coast Guard, and the Navy who have devoted themselves tirelessly to the search efforts," and added, "Though my heart is heavy, I hope my younger brother would want this as well."

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