Incheon Police Chief, "Lee Seon-gyun's Death is Regrettable... But Investigation Will Follow Legal Procedures"

Kim Hee-jung, Chief of the Incheon Police Agency, recently expressed his condolences regarding actor Lee Seon-gyun (48), who died while under investigation for drug use allegations, saying, "I am very saddened by the deceased's passing" and "I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family."

On the afternoon of the 28th, Chief Kim made this official statement concerning Lee's death. However, he emphasized that the investigation was conducted following proper legal procedures based on specific reports and evidence, in response to criticisms that the investigation was excessive.

Kim Hee-jung, Chief of Incheon Police Agency, is making a statement on the afternoon of the 28th regarding actor Lee Seon-gyun (48), who died while under investigation for drug use.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He explained, "During the first investigation on October 28, the deceased expressed his intention to 'testify later,' so a detailed investigation was not conducted," adding, "After the second investigation, additional evidence was secured, and he was questioned again on the 23rd." He continued, "During the (third) investigation, the lawyer requested that the victim investigation for the extortion case be conducted together to conclude everything at once," and added, "The investigation lasted a long time to fully hear the deceased's testimony."

He also stated, "The late-night investigation was conducted with the deceased's consent and with the lawyer present," and "The lawyer participated in all processes related to the investigation, seizure, and forensic examination of this case, and proper procedures such as video recording the testimony were followed."

Chief Kim further said, "There was no public appearance demand by the police or leakage of investigation details as some have claimed," and "We will continue to strictly adhere to public relations rules and not neglect human rights protection."

The police plan to close the investigation with a "no prosecution" decision following the death of actor Lee, who was accused of drug use. Lee consistently protested his innocence during three police summons but ultimately died without seeing the investigation results.

He was found dead in his car parked in a park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, at around 10:30 a.m. the previous day. The police launched a search after receiving a report from Lee's close associate that he had left a note resembling a suicide letter and had lost contact, but it was reported that Lee was already unconscious when found.