Father of Missing University Student in Hangang Thanks Private Rescuers for Finding Body... Citizens Present Gifts on Parents' Day

Son Hyun, the father of Son Jeongmin, and private rescuer Cha Jongwook, who discovered Jeongmin's body, are bowing to each other./Photo by Lee Jungyoon leejuyoo@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Son Hyun (50), the father of Son Jeong-min (22), who went missing at Hangang Park and was found dead, expressed his gratitude by giving a gift to private rescuer Cha Jong-wook, who discovered Jeong-min's body.

At around 3 p.m. on the 8th, Son Hyun met Cha at the taxi stand in Banpo Hangang Park, Seoul, bowed to each other, and handed over the prepared gift. Cha, who had said on his YouTube channel the day before, "Tomorrow is Parents' Day. Jeong-min was supposed to give a gift to his father, but he couldn't. So I will give the gift on his behalf," also gave a gift to Son Hyun. Afterwards, the two shared their grief over losing Jeong-min through handshakes and hugs.

Before giving the gift, Son Hyun knelt facing the Hangang River and observed a moment of silence. He then looked at chrysanthemums placed by citizens on a nearby bench and took photos with his cellphone. He also stared at a post-it note with a message commemorating Jeong-min for a while.

Mr. Son Hyun, Jeongmin's father, is receiving a drawing of Jeongmin's photo from a citizen.
Photo by Lee Jungyoon leejuyoo@

Dozens of citizens gathered at the scene, comforting Son Hyun by giving carnations, gifts, and letters. Some citizens were seen shedding tears. One citizen handed Son Hyun a drawing they had made of Jeong-min's photo. Receiving the drawing, Son Hyun said, "This is my favorite photo; how did you know?" and sobbed, "I will cherish it dearly. Jeong-min, you probably never imagined someone would draw your picture, right?"

Son Hyun told reporters, "I came out because I thought I would feel at ease if I thanked the person who pulled Jeong-min out of the Hangang water," adding, "I believe living healthily and working hard to uncover the cause of Jeong-min's drowning is the way to repay him." However, he said, "There are many talks about fundraising, but I absolutely do not want it in any form," and added, "Just the thought is enough."

He also tearfully addressed Jeong-min, saying, "Dad was a bit hurt, thinking you wouldn't even give me a carnation, but so many people are doing this for us," and continued, "I don't need carnations or anything like that; I just wish I could hug you once. You never even got to receive a carnation. You silly boy."

Jeong-min was last seen drinking with his friend A near the water taxi stand at Banpo Hangang Park from around 11 p.m. on the 24th of last month until about 2 a.m. the next day. He fell asleep and went missing, and five days later, on the 30th, his body was found underwater in the Hangang River. The police have requested an autopsy from the National Forensic Service to investigate the cause of death. The exact cause is expected to be revealed around mid-month when detailed examination results come out.