Son Jeongmin's Side Raises Suspicion... "Possibility of Friend's False Testimony"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The family and supporters of university student Son Jeong-min, who was found dead after going missing in Hangang Park, have raised doubts, suggesting that friend A, who was with him until the end, may have given false testimony.

On the afternoon of the 6th, Son’s supporters held a press conference near Gangnam Station in Seoul, claiming that an unfortunate incident may have occurred between Son and A under the riverbank slope on the day of the incident. Son’s family also attended the conference.

According to a phone call recording of A presented by them, A said, "(Son) groaned 'ah' and rolled over. There is a flat area, a hill, and a river. He must have fallen there and was pulled up."

Additionally, CCTV footage showed one person quickly descending the slope as if being pushed, followed by another person, but only one of them climbed back up the slope about three minutes later, supporters explained.

They stated, "There is a possibility that an unfortunate incident occurred between A and Son under the riverbank slope," and added, "Although A claimed in a call with his father six minutes after the fall that 'Jeong-min is sleeping and cannot go home,' evidence photos from that time show A making a phone call alone."

They also raised the claim that the head injury on Son was a result of the fall. Supporters said, "The police baselessly concluded it was 'caused by hitting the waterway,'" and "Because of this, the opportunity to investigate it as a homicide was denied from the beginning."

Meanwhile, Son’s family filed an objection to the police’s decision not to prosecute A. Although the police can close the case with a non-prosecution decision, if the complainant objects, the case must be forwarded to the prosecution. The prosecution can request a reinvestigation by the police according to relevant laws.

It is understood that the prosecution has not yet requested a reinvestigation from the police regarding this case. Son’s father, Son Hyun, said, "I have sent all investigation-related materials to the responsible prosecutor," and added, "The prosecution is the final step in the entire process, so it is important."

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