Uncovering the Truth: How Kim Chang-min’s Assault Case Highlights Flaws in the Justice System

Late director Kim Chang-min / Photo=social media

[Sports Today reporter Lim Si-ryeong] Prosecutors have opened a supplementary investigation into the assault that resulted in the death of director Kim Chang-min.

On April 5, Newsis reported that the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors’ Office, Namyangju Branch, formed a dedicated investigation team to handle the case. The team is led by the head of Criminal Division 2 and includes three prosecutors and five investigators.

In the early hours of Oct. 20, 2025, at about 1:10 a.m., Kim was dining with his son at a restaurant in Sutaek-dong, Guri, when he got into an argument with a group who had been drinking and was assaulted. He fell into a coma from a cerebral hemorrhage and was treated in the intensive care unit but never regained consciousness. He was declared brain-dead on Nov. 7 of last year and, through organ donation, gave new life to four people.

Police initially sought an arrest warrant for suspect A, but prosecutors returned the request and asked for supplementary investigation. After re-investigation and adding suspect B, authorities reapplied for warrants, but the Uijeongbu District Court, Namyangju branch, denied them, citing the suspects’ fixed residences and low flight risk. The suspects were released and transferred to prosecutors without detention.

When CCTV footage of the assault was later released, the case drew widespread public attention. The victim’s family criticized the handling of the investigation, saying, “A person is dead, yet a judge released the suspect on the grounds there was no risk of evidence destruction. This reality is unbearable,” and voiced strong dissatisfaction with the police inquiry.

The identities of two men in their 20s suspected of the assault were also circulated online. The controversy intensified after reports that one of them had recently released a hip-hop track.

Prosecutors have said they will carry out a thorough supplementary investigation to ensure there is no injustice to the victim.

Born in 1985, Director Kim directed No One’s Daughter and Guui Station Exit 3. He also worked on the art team for Captain Kim Chang-soo, The Drug King, The Witch, Rain and Your Story, and Firefighter.

[Sports Today reporter Lim Si-ryeong ent@stoo.com]
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