One Month Since Son Jeong-min's Disappearance, Citizens Say "Suspect Police Concealing Truth... Friend A Should Be Investigated as a Suspect"

"Concerns Over Police Inadequate Investigation"
"Companion A Should Be Reclassified as a Suspect"
Silent Memorial Ceremony Also Held

On the morning of the 25th, the group "People Seeking the Truth of the Banpo Hangang Incident (Banjinsa)" held a press conference in front of the Seocho Police Station in Seoul.
Photo by Lee Jung-yoon leejuyoo@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] On the 25th, marking one month since the disappearance of Son Jeong-min (22), who was found dead in Hangang Park, citizens apologized to the police for the initial investigation's shortcomings and urged a thorough inquiry.

The group "People Seeking the Truth of the Banpo Hangang Incident (Banjinsa)" held a press conference around 11 a.m. in front of the Seoul Seocho Police Station, stating, "From a common-sense perspective, the police have not taken the necessary actions, causing the majority of the public to worry about a flawed investigation," and added, "There are even suspicions that the police might be concealing the truth of the case." They also demanded, "We call for an apology from the chief of Seocho Police Station, who should take full responsibility for the investigation."

They further urged that Mr. A, the friend who was with Son until the end, be classified not as a witness but as a suspect and investigated accordingly. They said, "The police must change the status of companion A to a suspect and conduct a fair and meticulous investigation to leave no doubts," and "To dispel public suspicions about possible external involvement, the main progress of the investigation should be disclosed." After the press conference, they held a silent memorial to mourn Son's death.

Banjinsa was established with the purpose of properly clarifying the circumstances of Son's death. As of 11 a.m. on the 16th, over 18,000 netizens had joined the online cafe created for this cause.

Previously, two rallies related to this case were held. On the evening of the 23rd at 7:30 p.m., the "Unified Rally for the Truth of the Late Son Jeong-min" took place at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul. More than 100 citizens gathered on-site to commemorate Son, and 500 citizens participated via online video conference to mourn his death together. They demanded clarification of the cause of Son's drowning and the reasons for the wounds and bloodstains behind his ear.

The first rally and march held on the 16th were not reported in advance, so the police are reviewing whether this violates the Assembly and Demonstration Act based on collected evidence. Additionally, due to COVID-19 restrictions, only gatherings of nine or fewer people are allowed in Seoul, but this was not observed. Therefore, Seocho District Office and Seoul Hangang Project Headquarters are examining whether there was a violation of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. Since the organizer of the rally is unclear and there is insufficient information about attendees, it is unlikely that actual charges or investigation requests will be made.

On this day, the event was conducted as a press conference, which does not require prior notification. Assemblies must be reported at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance to the chief of the relevant police station, or to the relevant city/provincial police agency if jurisdictions overlap. The Banjinsa organizers stated, "We intended to hold a press conference simply to convey a message." However, if slogans are chanted, placards are displayed, or loudspeakers are used, the event is considered an assembly rather than a press conference. If a press conference turns into an assembly, the police may review violations of the Assembly and Demonstration Act based on collected evidence.

Furthermore, press conferences, like assemblies, may be restricted if more than nine people gather. A police official said, "Press conferences are managed under guidelines to prevent gatherings of nine or more people, similar to assemblies," and added, "If more than nine people gather, the event is conducted with social distancing."

Meanwhile, Son disappeared after drinking with Mr. 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. He was found dead underwater near the disappearance site on the 30th of last month. The autopsy concluded that the cause of death was presumed drowning.

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