[Summary] "Investigate Jeongmin's Death" Despite Memorial Rally... Friend's Side Says "Not the Place for Truth Dispute"

Rally Demanding Truth Behind Jeongmin's Death at Han River
Son Hyun Says "Everyone Can Express Their Opinion"
Friend's Side "Will Not Engage in Dispute with Bereaved Family"

On the 16th, when rain fell nationwide, participants at the "Peace Rally for the Late Son Jeong-min" held near the water taxi dock at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul are urging for a thorough investigation of the incident while holding umbrellas. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] A memorial rally for the late Son Jeong-min (22) was held on the 16th, while the friend A, who was with Son on the day he went missing, stated that they "will not engage in a battle over the truth."

At Banpo Hangang Park, where Son's body was found, about 300 citizens gathered to hold a placard protest demanding the truth of the incident be uncovered.

They held placards with messages such as "Uncover the truth behind Jeong-min's death!!", "Demand swift, fair, and accurate investigation!!", and "Jeong-min's bright youth ended in spring, but let's see this through to the end!" Some participants shouted slogans like "Release the CCTV!" and "Don't manipulate the facts!"

Originally, the rally planned for that day was to be a solo protest. However, as more participants gathered, when one participant started chanting slogans, the group joined in unison.

However, since the rally was not reported in advance, the police stopped it as an "unreported illegal march." Nevertheless, some citizens broke through the police blockade and continued marching to the area opposite Seocho Police Station, which is in charge of the investigation.

Regarding this, Son's father, Son Hyun, said on his blog, "I heard there was a rally today. From the social studies textbooks I learned as a child, I know that our country guarantees freedom of assembly, protest, and association," adding, "I believe anyone can express their opinion regardless of my or Jeong-min's wishes."

He continued, "However, when people gather, there are those who try to take advantage of it, and since everyone has different thoughts, problems may arise, and resolving those is our society's task," emphasizing, "There are many YouTubers, and I heard there are issues related to sponsorship. We do not want any sponsorship and have no intention of considering it in the future. It is a matter for each person to judge." This appears to be aimed at some YouTubers who raised funds without Son Hyun's consent during the rally.

Friend A of Son Jeong-min has expressed their first stance through a message. Photo by MBC 'True Story Exploration Team' broadcast screen

Various suspicions continue to surround A, but A's side stated through MBC's "True Story Exploration" that they "will not engage in a battle over the truth" with the bereaved family.

Through their legal representative, A's side said on the 15th, "Our basic position is to ask that no reports be made about us," adding, "We believe now is the time to mourn the deceased and comfort the family's grief."

They further stated, "Explaining our position would ultimately lead to a battle over the truth with the bereaved family, which we believe is not right toward them," and "We trust that minor suspicions or misunderstandings will be resolved naturally once the police investigation results come out. Until then, enduring and mourning is our moral duty."

Meanwhile, Son, a first-year medical student at Chung-Ang University, went missing after drinking with his friend A near the water taxi boarding area at Banpo Hangang Park from around 11 p.m. on the 24th of last month until about 2 a.m. the next day.

His body was found underwater in the Han River not far from the disappearance site five days later, on the 30th. The autopsy suggested the cause of death was drowning.

The police are currently analyzing black box footage from vehicles that entered and exited Hangang Park at the time of the incident, and are continuing the investigation by referring to newly requested closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the area near the incident by Son's father.

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