"Despite Request for Investigation, Attention Elsewhere... Feeling Like Only Fabrication Remains," Son Jeong-min's Father Laments

On the morning of the 18th, a memorial space for the late Son Jeong-min was set up near the water taxi dock at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] Son Hyun, the father of university student Son Jungmin (22), who went missing at Hangang Park and was later found dead, expressed his frustration over the investigation into Jungmin's cause of death, saying, "I propose everything I can and request an investigation, but their eyes are looking elsewhere."

On the early morning of the 21st, Son posted on his blog, "Among the books I was reading is a series by Michael Connelly, where the main detective 'Harry Bosch' doesn't see it as just a job but thinks from the victim's perspective and always uncovers the culprit," adding, "But reality is not like that."

He said, "The police are almost making it seem like Jungmin naturally walked into the Han River fully clothed, and at an unbelievable time, multiple unbelievable witnesses have appeared," adding, "It feels like all that's left is to fit the pieces together. I expected this, but it still hurts."

He continued, "Those who told me to be strong probably say, 'I knew it... tsk tsk,' but even if I had been strong, would anything have changed? The evidence was all gone early on, and the most important person says they drank and don't remember. What could I have done without investigative authority?"

Son also shared that he visited Hannam Bridge after a suggestion that CCTV footage was clear there, but it only showed the bridge railing. He lamented, "They have prepared well to prevent people from making extreme choices, but they want me to believe that at Hangang Park, even if you drink and enter fully clothed, no one will save you."

On the afternoon of the 16th, participants at the "Peace Rally for the Late Son Jeong-min" held near the water taxi dock at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul are shouting slogans urging a swift investigation. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Son seemed aware of concerns urging trust in the police investigation and waiting, responding, "Telling me to 'stop' is out of the question."

He wrote, "I started posting on my blog, putting up flyers and banners for activities and memorials for Jungmin. As interest grew, media interview requests came in, but I never invited the media nor requested interviews like some others."

He added, "What have I done? Besides posting on the blog and asking people to find Jungmin, I only responded to interviews. I appreciate those who visit this blog and empathize and worry about me, but those who don't like it can simply not come... I don't care."

In closing, he expressed his longing, saying, "No matter which way things go, I will continue with the plans I have made. Please continue to support me a lot. Jungmin, who is making his parents suffer like this today... I miss you and want to hold you."

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