"Over 200,000 Sign Petition to Cheongwadae Demanding Truth Behind Han River University Student Death"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] More than 200,000 people agreed within a day to a national petition demanding the cause of death be revealed for university student Son Jeong-min (22), who went missing at Seoul Hangang Park and was found dead.

The petition, posted on the 3rd, had received about 218,000 signatures as of 4:20 PM on the 4th. The petitioner stated, "We ask for a thorough investigation into the unjust death of the university student who went missing at Hangang," and claimed, "This student's death seems to be a case rather than an accident." They added, "Please clear the injustice felt by the deceased student and the surviving parents."

The Blue House issues official responses through the responsible secretaries or relevant ministers and vice ministers for petitions that receive more than 200,000 signatures. This petition had been under review for public release after receiving more than 100 preliminary endorsements, but it met the response criteria even before its formal release.

Meanwhile, Son's father submitted a petition to the prosecution on the same day, requesting that the police investigation not be inadequate. Son Hyun (50), the father, told reporters at the funeral hall set up at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital on the 4th, "I submitted the petition to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office around 1 PM," adding, "It is a request to ensure the investigation is not insufficient due to fear that the suspect might not be indicted because no evidence has emerged." He did not disclose specific details of the petition but added, "I hope they take measures such as a search and seizure as soon as possible because I am afraid evidence might be lost."

However, there is an analysis that submitting a petition to the prosecution before the police investigation is concluded will not significantly affect the investigation under the current criminal justice system. Since this year, direct investigation supervision by prosecutors has been abolished due to the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and police, and the police now have the authority to conclude first investigations.

If the police determine that there is no evidence of criminal suspicion, they can dismiss the case and close it independently. However, if the victim or complainant raises an objection, the case must be sent to the prosecution. The prosecution can request a reinvestigation by the police according to relevant laws if necessary.

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