Police Considering Holding 'Unexplained Death Review Committee' for Late Son Jung-min Case

Participation of External Experts Such as Forensic Scientists and Lawyers
Discussion on the Appropriateness of Case Closure

Seonjeongmin Son Memorial Site at Banpo Hangang Park, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The police appear to be entering the final stages of the investigation into the case of university student the late Son Jeong-min, who went missing at Hangang Park and was found dead.

On the 17th, the Seocho Police Station in Seoul announced that it is considering holding a 'Review Committee for Unnatural Death Cases' regarding Son's death.

According to the Police Agency's directive, the 'Regulations on Handling Unnatural Death Cases,' the police chief must convene a review committee for unnatural death cases where the identity of the deceased is unknown, cases where the bereaved family raises objections to the investigation results, or other cases deemed necessary for review by the police chief, to assess the need for additional investigation and whether to close the case.

The review committee consists of 3 to 4 internal members including one chairperson, and 1 to 2 external members. External members are appointed from experts in unnatural death cases such as forensic scientists and lawyers.

The convening of the review committee is generally regarded as a step toward concluding the investigation. In this case, since Son's father, Son Hyun, raised multiple questions and objections during the investigation process and given the high level of public interest, the police are reportedly discussing holding the review committee to objectively deliberate on whether to close the case.

Earlier, the police announced the interim investigation results of this case and explained various suspicions raised by the public, stating that no significant criminal charges have been found so far.

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