On the 10th, private divers searched for the late Son Jeong-min's friend's mobile phone near the water taxi dock at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] Son Jeongmin (22), who went missing at Hangang Park and was found dead, and his friend A, who was with him on the day, have issued their first official statement clarifying various suspicions. Meanwhile, two profilers, Bae Sanghoon and Pyo Changwon, offered differing interpretations.
Profiler Bae Sanghoon appeared on YTN Radio's 'Lee Donghyung's News Face-off' on the 17th and said, "The statement of about 17 pages generally addressed each of the questions raised so far one by one," adding, "The key part is, after all, the biggest point is that he 'blacked out and doesn't remember.'
Profiler Bae pointed out, "The critical period is between 3:38 a.m. and 4:20 a.m. on the day of the incident, but his whereabouts were not secured at all," and said, "The statement focused on clarifying various speculations and rumors, but it is regrettable that the essential parts were not explained."
He explained, "If his usual psychological state is such that he intensely focuses on something, and if he drinks alcohol heavily with that psychological trait, there is a possibility of blackout," adding, "I think the police judged the practical possibility of blackout by deploying profilers."
On the other hand, Profiler Pyo Changwon responded to A's statement by saying, "There is nothing to pay attention to, nor is there a need to pay attention."
On the 18th, on MBC Radio's 'Pyo Changwon's News High Kick,' Profiler Pyo said, "I think analyzing this one by one and assigning meaning to it is something to be avoided," emphasizing, "If it is confirmed that this incident was not at all an intentional act by A, then A will also suffer significant damage."
He added, "There is regret that when Son was first missing, if A had called Son's parents to search together, or when A's parents came to Hangang Park, if they had contacted Son's parents and shared their worries, how good that would have been," but also said, "Regarding Son's parents' doubts and regrets about that part, I am truly sorry, but I think A's family must accept and bear it."
Earlier, A's lawyer issued a statement on the 17th explaining the reasons for not commenting on various suspicions and the circumstances of discarding the shoes. The lawyer requested, "Please refrain from excessive speculation at least until the investigation results come out," and asked, "Please help A and his family return to their normal daily lives."
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