"When the Autopsy Results Come Out..." A Profiler's View on the 'Hangang Deceased University Student' Case

On the afternoon of the 30th of last month, rescue workers recovered the body of university student Son Jeong-min, who was found dead six days after going missing, in the Han River near Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Regarding the case of university student Son Jeongmin (22), who went missing at Seoul Hangang Park and was later found dead, profiler Bae Sanghoon repeatedly raised questions on the 10th about why friend A's parents, who came out to search for Son at the Hangang, did not immediately contact Son's parents.

On that day, Profiler Bae appeared on YTN Radio's 'Lee Donghyung's News Face-off' and said, "There was no reason for A's parents to come at that time. They shouldn't have come then; it would have been right to quickly report to 119 or 112 first to find Son. This part raises more suspicion. If I were the person in charge of the investigation, I would focus on this aspect."

He continued, "This is the part I understand the least. Various possibilities exist in that situation," adding, "An accidental death is possible, evidence concealment is possible, and it seems clear that they gave a pretext for even more possibilities."

Regarding the detailed autopsy results of Son, he said, "From what I see, a visual autopsy has been done, but the detailed autopsy results will likely come out around the end of this week," adding, "Some new clues might emerge. If clues come out, some information related to the location where the body was found will likely be revealed."

Regarding criticism that A's summons investigation was delayed, Profiler Bae said, "The police say, 'The investigation must be conducted after securing basic data, so it is not late now.' However, from the citizens' perspective, they say, 'Isn't it taking too long?' There is clearly a difference in perception."

On the afternoon of the 30th of last month, police officials set up a police line near the Han River at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul before recovering the body of university student Son Jeong-min, who was found dead six days after going missing. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the term 'Golden' that appeared in a video Son took with A before going missing, he said, "The police said, 'It is another stage name of Ji Soul from a famous entertainment company.' Because Son and A were continuously talking about hip-hop or music, in that context, they mentioned 'Golden is a singer.'"

He added, "The problem is that many citizens and netizens say that doesn't make sense. Because they say, 'The current situation doesn't necessarily mean only that,' some people do not trust the police explanation."

Regarding the ongoing fake news about A's father, he said, "There are stories about him being a former police chief, a high-ranking police official, or a high-ranking medical professor," adding, "There are also claims that 'he pressured the field police, causing delays,' but all of this is completely false. In other words, all the 'high-ranking officials' stories are fake."

Earlier, Son left home around 10:30 p.m. on the 24th of last month and ordered delivery food to eat and drink with his friend A on the grass at Hangang Park. He went missing afterward. Six days later, on the 30th, his body was found near the Hangang water taxi dock at Banpo Hangang Park.

The police have requested the National Forensic Service to perform an autopsy on Son's body to investigate the cause of death. However, due to severe decomposition, the exact autopsy results are expected to be released around mid-month.