KakaoTalk conversation between Jeongmin Son and another friend B on the 24th of last month, when Jeongmin Son went out to drink with friend A at Hangang Park. Photo by CBS Radio 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' YouTube video capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] Son Hyun (50), the father of university student Son Jeongmin (22), who went missing at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul and was found dead after six days, has released the KakaoTalk conversation between Jeongmin and his friend B, claiming, "As I looked for conversations with other friends, I started to think that there was something different from a typical lightning meeting (an unplanned gathering)."
On the 11th, Son appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyunjung's News Show' and said, "Yesterday (the 10th), I had some time and looked for KakaoTalk messages Jeongmin had with other friends," adding, "When I checked the messages Jeongmin had with other friends on Saturday, I found something that deserves attention."
According to the released conversation, on the night of the 24th of last month at 9:48 PM, Jeongmin asked B, "What are you doing now?" When B said he was attending class, Jeongmin replied, "A suddenly suggested drinking," adding, "It's something I've never seen before." Then, when B said, "I was playing LoL (League of Legends)," Jeongmin said, "No, it's not about coming together," and "The three of us, if you don't want to, you don't have to."
KakaoTalk conversation between Son Jeong-min and another friend B on the 24th of last month, when Son Jeong-min went out to drink with friend A at Hangang Park. Photo by CBS Radio 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' YouTube video capture.
In response, B said, "I want to attend class. The class is piling up too much," and Jeongmin said, "No, I've never experienced this before, so I'm confused." Then B also said, "Right, what's going on? Did a dead person come back to life?"
Son said, "What I saw was just that (the KakaoTalk conversation), and I became extremely curious about what exactly they were referring to," adding, "It is necessary to confirm whether friend B never refused to meet, or whether friend A, who invited him to drink, never proposed the meeting."
He also said, "There could be many possibilities, but considering all the circumstances, things like bringing a lawyer during hypnotic investigation just to find a friend are not common sense," and added, "I hope it becomes clear whether the friend was involved in something or was unaware of it."
On the morning of the 11th, police are searching the mobile phone of Son Jeong-min's friend near the taxi stand at Banpo Hangang Park in Seocho-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Regarding the police explanation that 'Golden' mentioned in the video on Jeongmin's phone is a hip-hop singer, Son said, "I originally considered three possibilities," adding, "It could be something from a game, it could be a singer, and some informants mentioned medical school exams, so I thought the exam possibility was high."
He continued, "I can't say 100% this is it, but the police announcement also makes sense," and said, "I don't think we need to waste time arguing whether it's right or wrong."
Son raised suspicion again about the circumstances under which friend A quickly disposed of his shoes and how A's father was aware of the shoe disposal and answered immediately when asked, saying, "I think that part cannot be answered without preparation."
When asked if this was pushing only friend A without anything being revealed, Son replied, "My son died. I don't think it is comparable to the difficulties of a living friend," but added, "I am only talking about the circumstances, and everyone is making reasonable guesses. I don't think that is wrong."
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