[Exclusive] Moon and the Family of the Shot Civil Servant, Turns Out to Be Fellow Citizens of Yangsan

30-Minute Drive from Pyeongsan Village
Yangsan Citizen Like Former President Moon
Bereaved Family: "Not Uncomfortable"
Internal Opinions Divided on Whether to File a Complaint

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] "Living as fellow citizens of Yangsan does not make it uncomfortable."

The bereaved family of Mr. Lee, a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official who was killed by North Korean soldiers in the West Sea in September 2020, resides somewhere in Yangsan City, Gyeongnam, about a 30-minute drive from the Pyeongsan Village residence where former President Moon Jae-in lives. Some view this as an "uncomfortable scene" or "uncomfortable neighborhood." Former President Moon was the final decision-maker of the related agencies at the time of Mr. Lee's death. The bereaved family requested the Blue House to disclose related records to verify the circumstances of Mr. Lee's death but was refused and eventually resorted to litigation. The Coast Guard, which investigated the incident at the time, reversed its previous statement by saying "there was no evidence that Mr. Lee intended to defect to the North," which led to suspicions of a cover-up by the Blue House.

While the bereaved family likely has mixed feelings about former President Moon, they refrained from commenting on any meaning beyond being fellow citizens of Yangsan. The family is also deliberating whether to file a complaint with the prosecution against former President Moon for dereliction of duty or abuse of power. It is reported that opinions are divided even within the bereaved family. The final decision on whether to file the complaint is expected on the 23rd. On the 25th of last month, the family requested information disclosure from the Presidential Archives regarding Blue House materials related to Mr. Lee's death, and they will receive a response on the 23rd. Family lawyer Kim Ki-yoon said, "We are monitoring the situation," adding, "If the response refuses disclosure, we will have no choice but to file charges against former President Moon." The family raised questions about what actions former President Moon took during the three hours from when he received reports about Mr. Lee until Mr. Lee's death. If no action was taken, it would constitute dereliction of duty; if improper orders were given, it would be considered abuse of power.

On the morning of the 22nd at 9:30 a.m., the bereaved family will file a complaint with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office against former National Security Office Director Suh Hoon, former Blue House Civil Affairs Chief Kim Jong-ho, and former Civil Affairs Secretary Lee Kwang-chul for obstruction of official duties. If the prosecution begins a full investigation, it may request a warrant from the High Court Chief Judge to access presidential records. If the warrant is issued, the Presidential Archives must disclose the related records. The prosecution's role has become crucial, from thorough investigation to warrant issuance. Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon said, "This is a case of great interest," and added, "If charges are filed, the prosecution will carefully consider whether to conduct a direct investigation."