Yangpyeong County Official's Death... Governor Jeon Jinseon Calls for Thorough Investigation into Coercive Probe Allegations

Public Officials' Union:
"Investigation Methods That Disregard Human Rights...
Preventing Further Tragedies Is Essential"

Regarding the case in which the late Jeong Heecheol, who was the head of Danwol-myeon in Yangpyeong County, took his own life while under special prosecutor investigation, both Yangpyeong County and the Public Officials' Union issued official statements on the 14th, calling for a thorough investigation and institutional reforms.

Yangpyeong County Governor Jeon Jinseon issued an official statement on the 14th regarding the case of the late public official Jeong Heecheol, who was the head of Danwol-myeon in Yangpyeong County and took an extreme measure while under special prosecution investigation, urging for a thorough investigation and institutional improvements. Photo by Lee Jonggu.

On this day, Yangpyeong County Governor Jeon Jinseon held a press conference in the county office briefing room and stated, "I feel deep sorrow and responsibility over the sudden death of Danwol-myeon Head Jeong Heecheol," adding, "It appears that the late official suffered unbearable pain during the special prosecutor's investigation."

Governor Jeon said, "The development project in Gongheung District had previously been concluded with no charges after investigations and inquiries," and continued, "Nevertheless, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility as county governor for the fact that, during the reinvestigation, a public official had to appeal his grievances under extreme pressure."

He further promised, "To protect the human rights and honor of public officials currently under investigation, we will strengthen protective measures such as legal support and psychological counseling, and mobilize all administrative resources to prevent similar incidents from happening again."

The Yangpyeong County Branch of the Gyeonggi Regional Headquarters of the National Government Employees' Union (headed by Kim Jongbae) also released a separate statement on the same day, saying, "This incident is being directly attributed to human rights violations resulting from the coercive investigation by the special prosecutor," and criticized, "It is difficult to accept that the special prosecutor's office is denying responsibility through the media."

The union asserted, "Investigative methods that disregard human rights under the pretext of public interest can never be justified," and urged, "We must ensure the transparency of investigative procedures and strengthen guidelines to provide psychological support for public officials and prevent excessive pressure."

Kim Jongbae, head of the Gyeonggi Regional Branch of the Korean Government Employees' Union in Yangpyeong County, is urging for a thorough investigation and institutional reform regarding the case of the late public official Jeong Heecheol, who was the head of Danwol-myeon in Yangpyeong County and took an extreme measure while under special investigation on the 14th. Photo by Lee Jonggu

Additionally, they emphasized, "Attempts to politicize or glorify the late official's death tarnish his honor and ignore the pain of his bereaved family," adding, "This incident should serve as an opportunity to foster a public sector where human rights are respected."

Meanwhile, Yangpyeong County is a region that has endured local hardships for many years due to central government policies such as the Paldang water source regulations, the Yongmunsan shooting range, and the suspension of the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway project.

Governor Jeon added, "I will take every legal and administrative measure to ensure that such sacrifices and the pride of the region are not undermined, and to prevent further tragedies among public officials."

Earlier on this day, a funeral ceremony was held in the Yangpyeong County Office parking lot for the late Jeong Heecheol, who had been the head of Danwol-myeon and was found dead eight days after being questioned by the special prosecutor team led by Min Junggi, which is investigating allegations related to First Lady Kim Keonhee.

The ceremony, which began at 8:13 a.m. following the funeral procession, was attended by Governor Jeon Jinseon, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Seongyo, Yangpyeong County Council Chairman Hwang Sunho, fellow public officials, and about 100 residents of Danwol-myeon, where the deceased had served as head, all paying tribute. The ceremony lasted about 40 minutes, beginning with a moment of silence, followed by a reading of the deceased's biography, a eulogy, and then floral tributes and incense burning.

In his eulogy, Governor Jeon Jinseon said, "You devoted yourself as a public official for more than 33 years, silently fulfilling your responsibilities for the people of the county. What could have been so urgent that you left in such haste, without even saying goodbye to your precious family and beloved colleagues?"

He continued, "I will remember you and set things right so that this never happens again," adding, "As the county governor representing both the public officials and the county, I promise before your portrait to restore your honor and ensure that Yangpyeong County officials do not suffer any disadvantages."

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