Truth and Reconciliation Commission Investigates the Truth Behind Victims Falsely Accused in Lee Chun-jae Serial Murders

In January last year, victims and bereaved families of the Lee Chun-jae serial murder case held a press conference in front of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Past Affairs in Jung-gu, Seoul, before submitting an application demanding a comprehensive investigation into the total 14 murder cases committed by Lee Chun-jae. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The 2nd Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Past Affairs (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) has uncovered the truth about victims who were falsely accused in the Lee Chun-jae serial murder case.

On the 9th, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission announced at the 48th committee meeting held the previous day that it had established the truth regarding seven individuals, including Yoon Seong-yeo, who were wrongfully accused as perpetrators in the Lee Chun-jae serial murder case. The investigation began in May.

Lee Chun-jae committed rape and serial murders targeting women in Gyeonggi Hwaseong, Suwon, and Chungbuk Cheongju from 1986 to 1991. However, the police conducted investigations in a manner that violated the human rights of suspects other than Lee Chun-jae and falsely accused them. In fact, they excluded Lee Chun-jae from the list of suspects due to reliance on unscientific evidence.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission analyzed over 200,000 pages of investigation materials obtained from the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency and Suwon District Prosecutors' Office, as well as media and publication materials. Through this, it revealed that illegal arrests and detentions, harsh treatment, forced confessions, evidence fabrication, and concealment occurred during the investigation process of the case.

The commission stated, "At that time, suspects were coerced into confessing under a pressured atmosphere without clear charges, simply because they were former offenders of similar crimes or theft, widowers, delinquents, or single men," adding, "This officially confirms that the state severely violated human rights through unlawful public authority during the investigation of the Lee Chun-jae serial murder case."

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended that the state apologize to the applicants, victims, and their families and take measures to restore their damages and honor.