Police: Soil on Son Jeong-min's Socks Similar to Underwater Soil 10m from Riverside

The socks worn by Son Jeong-min (22), who went missing and was found dead in Hangang Park. Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The soil components found on the socks of university student Son Jeong-min (22), who went missing at Seoul Hangang Park and was later found dead, have been confirmed to be similar to the soil components collected underwater about 10 meters away from the land.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 25th that they received the soil component comparison analysis results from the National Forensic Service.

A Seoul police official stated, "The National Forensic Service judged that the soil components found on Son's socks and the soil components at a point about 10 meters away from the land have similar soil particle light refraction levels and elemental composition ratios of aluminum, silicon, potassium, etc., within the standard deviation range." The National Forensic Service collected soil samples from seven locations on land and underwater, and it is known that they determined the specific location's soil components to be similar to those found on Son's socks.

However, the National Forensic Service advised the police that the analysis results might have been affected by underwater contamination and suggested that the investigation should consider the circumstances of the case. The police also commissioned soil component analysis of clothing submitted by Son's friend, Mr. A, but the results have not yet been released.

Soil components found in the socks of university student Son Jeong-min (22), who was found dead after going missing in Seoul Hangang Park, were confirmed to be similar to the soil components collected underwater about 10 meters away from the land. The photo shows a Hangang River sculpture map near Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul. Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency

The police reported that at 6.8 meters from the riverbank, the water depth is 0.52 meters, and the site consists of gravel and soil based on on-site inspection. At 10.5 meters from the riverbank, the water depth is 1.5 meters, and the soil consists of mud. At the 14-meter point, the water depth was found to reach 1.7 meters.

A Seoul police official said, "This means to investigate comprehensively using closed-circuit television (CCTV) or witness statements," adding, "Since the soil components on the socks are scientific data, we will continue to verify them as a reference to uncover the substantive truth." The police are also analyzing underwater terrain through additional on-site investigations conducted the previous day.

Meanwhile, the police are examining the legality of a document circulating online titled 'Hangang Incident Report.' This report contains content suggesting that Mr. A deliberately murdered Son.

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