"Please Moderate" vs "Truth Must Be Revealed" Late Son Jeong-min Accident 'Suspicion Dispute'

Criticism of 'That Guy' Covering Han River Deceased University Student: "Unbelievable," "Biased Broadcast"
Some Citizens Express 'Fatigue': "Investigative Authorities Should Consider Expert Opinions," They Point Out
Friend's Side: "Legal Action Against False Information Related to 'Han River Incident'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I understand emotionally, but what is this after more than a month?"

Public suspicion continues daily regarding the incident involving the late Son Jeong-min, who went missing in the Han River and was later found dead. Along with criticism that the initial investigation failed, last week's SBS program "I Want to Know That" has been criticized as biased broadcasting and false reporting.

However, some criticize the public for ignoring the fatigue as well as the opinions of investigative authorities and experts such as criminal psychologists, leading the so-called "Han River missing university student" incident suspicions into another phase of conflict.

Additionally, the side of friend A, who was with Son on the day of the incident, announced legal action against the spread of false information, causing public opinion to be divided on this matter, separate from the incident suspicions.

Kim, a company employee in his 30s who said he had been closely following the suspicions surrounding Son Jeong-min's incident, said, "Judging only by the development of the incident, I think there are enough suspicions and related circumstances," but added, "I think the police are really doing their utmost in the investigation, and if you distrust the investigation results in such a situation, there is no answer." He added, "I think the 'I Want to Know That' broadcast can also be criticized, but it does not seem to ignore the opinions of the criminal psychology professors who appeared on the program."

Lee, a university student in his 20s, said, "Honestly, isn't everyone practically accusing the friend of murder?" and pointed out, "Severe damage has already occurred, and if the final investigation results show that the person cannot be considered the culprit, who will take responsibility for the rest of their life?" He raised his voice, saying, "I think I will definitely be criticized just for saying this, but is this atmosphere normal?"

On the 30th, citizens gathered at Banpo Hangang Park to commemorate the late Son Jeong-min. On the same day, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that a sanitation worker found and submitted the mobile phone of Son's friend, Mr. A. Photo by Yonhap News.

On the other hand, citizens who claim there are various suspicions about Son Jeong-min's incident are holding rallies and demanding the truth be uncovered. Members of the Naver cafe "Banpo Han River Incident Truth Seekers (Banjinsa)" held a "Witness Search" rally near the Rabbit Tunnel at Banpo Han River Park in Seoul at 6 p.m. on the 29th, stating, "We cannot trust the police investigation" and demanding "proper clarification of the truth."

They also held a rally on the 31st, criticizing that they could not accept the contents of the "I Want to Know That" broadcast. A citizen attending the rally that afternoon said, "(The public) is not stupid," and pointed out, "I think there are many distorted parts (in the broadcast and investigation results)." He repeatedly criticized, saying, "If incidents involving individuals are not handled properly, how much longer will the public trust the state?"

Son Hyun, the father of Son Jeong-min, also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the broadcast content. On the morning of the 31st, Son posted a blog entry titled "I Want to Know That," rebutting some of the reported content. Son said, "Even on weekends, the 'I Want to Know That' broadcast, which dislikes us, airs, and today I have to respond to that, but suddenly a cellphone was found, and there is no time to rest," adding, "It is important where and when the cellphone was found and acquired, but it feels like this is not well understood. We will have to wait and see," expressing a critical view.

The "I Want to Know That" episode aired on the 29th reconstructed the timeline of the day Son Jeong-min went missing based on closed-circuit television (CCTV), vehicle black box, call records, and witness statements. Experts appearing on the broadcast all expressed the opinion that "the possibility of homicide is low."

Professor Lee Soo-jung of the Department of Criminal Psychology at Kyonggi University analyzed, "Han River Park is a place overflowing with witnesses 24 hours a day," and "In an open space, it is difficult for someone with the intent to kill to murder while being seen by others."

Also, Kwon Il-yong, adjunct professor at Dongguk University's Graduate School of Police and Judicial Studies, emphasized, "Crimes require clear motives and opportunities, but the motive and opportunity parts are unlikely at the Han River," and "It is not suitable for planning a crime."

The SBS program "Unanswered Questions," which covered the suspicious death of the late Son Jeong-min, has been embroiled in controversy over false reporting. Son's father, as well as citizens interested in the case, are raising their voices demanding the program be abolished. Photo by SBS 'Unanswered Questions' viewer board capture

In response to the criticism of the broadcast content, the "I Want to Know That" production team stated on the viewer board, "False information is being spread, and we want to correct this." The production team posted a captured image containing the message, "Is the CCTV footage reenactment video of (Son's friend) A side broadcast as if it were real with mosaic processing? Why was the post pointing this out deleted?" and then posted a rebuttal to this criticism.

The production team stated, "After checking internet posts to see if there was any mistake by the production team regarding the scene, it was found that this was a malicious use of a momentarily captured motion graphic effect video, and the claim that the dates on the broadcast and replay were different is clearly false information." They also released the motion capture file, adding, "This is the actual footage used in the broadcast. You can also verify this through the replay."

Meanwhile, as suspicions about friend A have spread online, A's side announced their intention to actively respond to speculation and fake news.

On the 31st, A's legal representative, the law firm One & Partners, stated on their official website, "We are receiving reports of illegal acts related to the so-called 'Han River incident,'" and added, "Despite our repeated earnest requests through the media to stop illegal acts, they continue. We are actively considering legal action regarding this."

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