Police: "No Evidence of Crime in Son Jeong-min Case... No Bloodstains or DNA on Friend's Clothes" (Comprehensive)

Police Secure Photos of Mr. Son Taken Underwater
Also Reveal Circumstances Suggesting Friend Did Not Obtain Them
Taxi Driver: "Back Seat of Vehicle Was Not Wet"
Search of Friend's Mobile Phone Underway

On the afternoon of the 27th, Han Won-hoek, Chief of the Criminal Division, is announcing the current police investigation status regarding the death of the late Son Jeong-min at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Naejadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Regarding the case of university student Son Jeong-min (22), who went missing at Seoul Hangang Park and was later found dead, it has been confirmed so far that there is no connection to a crime. Additionally, no bloodstains or DNA were found on the jumper and pants of Son’s friend A, who was with him.

On the afternoon of the 27th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency held a press briefing on the "Investigation Progress of the Hangang University Student Death Case" and announced interim investigation results addressing various suspicions raised so far.

A police official stated, "Based on the investigation conducted so far, there is no evidence that Son’s death is related to a crime," adding, "The police are keeping all possibilities open to uncover the substantive truth, so we ask for your trust and patience."

According to the police, the National Forensic Service’s analysis found no bloodstains or DNA on A’s jumper and pants.

The official explained, "On the 4th of this month, we received the clothes A wore on the day of the disappearance?jumper, shorts, socks, bag?by voluntary submission and requested analysis from the National Forensic Service, but no bloodstains or DNA were found. At the time of submission, the clothes had been washed, and the soil attached on the day of disappearance had already been removed, making analysis difficult."

Some online communities raised suspicions of homicide regarding Son’s death and demanded an investigation into A, who was accompanying him. Numerous videos on YouTube and other platforms claimed "there is Son’s blood at the scene," casting suspicion on A.

Regarding the bereaved family’s claim that Son, who was usually afraid of water, would have no reason to enter the water voluntarily, the police explained, "We have secured photos of the deceased taken at overseas beaches (in the water) and videos of him playing in water domestically." They added, "We are continuing to verify the exact circumstances of his entry into the water."

Son’s father, Son Hyun (50), expressed discomfort on his blog about reports suggesting his son was heavily intoxicated and entered the water. At that time, Son Hyun shared photos showing how much his son disliked and feared water, including pictures taken at the beach with friends. He pointed out, "All the friends are barefoot, but my son is wearing shoes," arguing that this indicates his son’s aversion to water.

Furthermore, the police disclosed circumstances contradicting suspicions that A entered the Hangang River. When asked whether A entered the water with Son, a police official explained, "The taxi driver who drove A home on the day of disappearance, the 25th of last month, initially did not clearly see whether A’s clothes were wet, but after the ride ended and the vehicle was cleaned, the back seat was not wet," according to the driver’s statement.

Additionally, regarding suspicions that A and his family were uncooperative with the police investigation, the police stated, "So far, A and his family have all responded to witness questioning and agreed to digital forensic examinations of their home, vehicle, and mobile phones." The police have completed forensic analysis of the mobile phones of A, A’s parents, and sister. They are also conducting forensic analysis on the family vehicle’s black box, as well as A’s laptop and iPad.

Meanwhile, the police are conducting a search of A’s mobile phone, which has been identified as a key piece of evidence that could resolve suspicions surrounding Son’s death. The police determined that the phone was turned off at 7:02 a.m. on the day of disappearance, but A’s side previously stated in a press release that the phone was already off around 4:27 a.m., leading to some discrepancies in the facts.

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