Director Kim Chang-min's ICU Grievance

The Uijeongbu District Prosecutors' Office, Namyangju Branch, announced on the 5th that it has formed a special investigation team consisting of three prosecutors and five investigators, led by the head of the Criminal Affairs Division 2, to investigate the case of a film director's death due to assault. The prosecution stated, "We will conduct a swift and thorough supplementary investigation to ensure there is no injustice for the victim," adding, "In the future, we will utilize scientific investigation techniques and actively incorporate the opinions of prosecutors with medical expertise into the investigation."

Director Kim Chang-min was assaulted on October 20th of last year around 1:10 AM at a restaurant in Sutak-dong, Guri-si, while having a meal with his son. He got into an argument with a group of people who were drinking, and was subsequently attacked. He was taken to the hospital, but suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, fell into a coma, and was declared brain dead on November 7th of the same year. Director Kim passed away after donating his organs, giving new life to four people.

Based on CCTV footage from the scene and witness testimonies, the police investigated the incident and applied for an arrest warrant for one suspect in his 20s on charges of assault resulting in death. However, the warrant was dismissed by the court. Following a directive from the prosecution for supplementary investigation at the request of the bereaved family, additional investigations were conducted. Another man in his 20s, who had choked Director Kim from behind during the physical altercation, was added as a suspect, and an arrest warrant was re-applied for. This warrant was also dismissed by the court. Ultimately, the police sent the case to the prosecution on April 2nd without detention.

The bereaved family expressed anxiety, stating that the suspects responsible for Director Kim's death were walking free, and publicly raised concerns about the police investigation. The issue was reported through various media outlets, leading the Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency to review the investigation process internally. The fact that the case has now been transferred to the prosecution is interpreted as meaning that no significant issues were found in the police investigation process.

On its broadcast on the 6th, JTBC's 'Newsroom' revealed a photo of the late Director Kim Chang-min, who was transferred from the emergency room to the intensive care unit on the day of the incident. In the photo, Director Kim's face had dark bruises, and blood had pooled inside his ear. Even in his unconscious state, tears were welling up in his eyes. Director Kim's father appealed for a reinvestigation to uncover the truth of his son's unjust death, saying, "He was unconscious, but could he have been in pain? It must have been injustice. He was also worried about his child."