Mr. Lee Rae-jin, the brother of Mr. A, a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official who was shot and killed by North Korean soldiers while drifting at sea near Yeonpyeong Island in the West Sea, is holding a "press conference requesting information disclosure" in front of the Blue House Fountain in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 28th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Lee Rae-jin (55), the older brother of Lee Mo (47), a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official who died after being shot by North Korean forces, is expected to request the Coast Guard to halt the search on the 29th.
Lee stated in a post on his social network service (SNS) that day, "I think I have to make a very difficult and heavy decision," and added, "I will likely have to request the Coast Guard to stop the search for my younger brother."
He wrote, "I have been deeply troubled after hearing recent reports that illegal Chinese fishing vessels have been rampant in the West Sea," and continued, "Considering the livelihood issues of the residents of the West Sea Five Islands and the hardships of fishermen using anchor nets and angang nets, I pondered a lot for several days and told my sister-in-law and nephew that I would make a decision."
He added, "I also thought about the hardships that the personnel on Coast Guard and Navy ships would face during the cold winter and bad weather," and said, "I am making this heavy decision from a magnanimous perspective."
Lee concluded his post by saying, "I deeply thank and bow my head in gratitude to the West Sea Fisheries Management Unit, the Coast Guard, and the Navy who have worked tirelessly day and night in the search efforts," and "Although my heart is heavy, I believe my younger brother would want this as well."
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