A photo posted by Son Hyun, father of Son Jeongmin, stating that his son disliked and was afraid of water. Only Son Jeongmin is wearing both socks and sneakers, standing on sand, not water. Photo by Son Hyun
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] The cause of death of university student Son Jeongmin (22), who went missing at Seoul Hangang Park and was found dead, has been revealed as drowning. Meanwhile, his father Son Hyun (50) posted a message saying his son disliked water during his lifetime, drawing public attention.
On the early morning of the 14th, Son posted an article titled "Jeongmin who hated water" on his blog.
He said, "As soon as the photo was reported yesterday, as if waiting for it, nine bottles of alcohol appeared," and questioned, "The police already have all the data about the two buying alcohol, so why did the talk about alcohol come up only when the photo at 2:18 a.m. that day was released?"
Son also showed discomfort regarding a media report, saying, "It’s distressing." He asked, "What do they want to say? Would a son who drank a lot of alcohol have easily gone into the water himself?"
He continued, "How much my son hated and feared water is shown in the photo below. All his friends are barefoot, but he is the only one wearing shoes," and revealed a photo of Jeongmin taken during his lifetime.
The photo shows Jeongmin wearing sneakers alone among a group at the beach, while others have taken off their shoes and are dipping their feet in the water.
Son explained, "It seemed that my son’s body did not have shoes or socks," adding, "Since the autopsy was necessary, I couldn’t check directly, but by touching the plastic covering around the body, it felt that way. Even if the shoes were taken off, it’s strange that the socks were also removed."
He concluded, "I was really grateful when the police announced today that they could not confirm whether all the alcohol was consumed," and ended his post with, "Even today, my son is raising numerous suspicions. Still, I miss you, son."
On the morning of the 13th, police are conducting a search of the cellphone belonging to Son Jeong-min's friend near the taxi stand at Banpo Hangang Park in Seocho-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Earlier, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 13th that they had received an autopsy report from the National Forensic Service stating that Jeongmin’s cause of death was presumed to be drowning. The National Forensic Service judged that the two wounds found on Jeongmin’s head during the autopsy were not significant enough to be considered the cause of death.
On the same day (the 13th), Son appeared on MBC Radio’s "Pyo Changwon’s News High Kick" and said, "I expected the autopsy results," adding, "Before the autopsy, the detectives in charge said it was drowning, and that the National Forensic Service could not determine how he entered the water."
He emphasized, "I am only curious about how my son entered the water," and said, "I believe that must be revealed. That hope is my only strength and weapon."
He added, "Now is the time when decisive tips that can specify the time or clarify something are needed," and said, "It would be great if there is a photo taken at the moment my son entered the water or if anyone witnessed it."
Son expressed gratitude, saying, "Thanks to the interest of the citizens, we have come this far," and added, "If not, I think this would have ended as a typical missing person or drowning case, so I am very thankful."
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