Justice for Director Kim Chang-min: What Really Happened in the Shocking Assault Case?

The late director Kim Chang-min / Photo=social media

[Sports Today reporter Im Si-ryeong] Public outrage is mounting over the group accused in the death of director Kim Chang-min. With both the prosecution and the Ministry of Justice reopening the case, the public is closely watching the outcome of the renewed investigation.

On the 7th, Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho posted a lengthy message on his social media account, saying, \”In the case of the late director Kim Chang-min’s death by assault, shortcomings in the initial investigation have caused deep pain to the bereaved family and the public.\”

He added, \”The victim, a young, aspiring film director, went to a restaurant with his child who has severe developmental disabilities, was assaulted by a group, became brain-dead, and ultimately died. The family points out that CCTV footage shows at least six assailants, yet authorities initially identified only one suspect; only after the family’s protests and the prosecution’s demand for additional investigation was a second individual identified. They criticize the early investigation as insufficient.\”

Minister Jeong expressed sympathy for the family’s suffering, saying, \”Because arrest warrants were denied, the alleged perpetrators have been freely moving about, causing intense psychological distress and anxiety for the bereaved family. The deceased closed his eyes leaving behind a child with severe developmental disabilities who depended entirely on him. In addition to the family’s loss, the shortcomings of the investigation have only deepened their wounds; their grief is difficult to fathom.\”

The prosecution received the case from the Guri Police Station on the 2nd and promptly formed a dedicated team to conduct a follow-up investigation aimed at bringing the involved suspects to justice. The Ministry of Justice pledged to thoroughly uncover the facts so the victim and family will not be left feeling wronged.

Photo=JTBC Newsroom

Earlier, on Oct. 20 of last year at around 1:10 a.m., director Kim Chang-min was dining with his son at a restaurant in Sutaek-dong, Guri, when he got into an altercation with a group of patrons who had been drinking. During the confrontation, the group assaulted Kim; he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, collapsed, and was taken to the intensive care unit for critical treatment. He was declared brain-dead on Nov. 7 and, after donating his organs to four recipients, he died.

The family, who initially did not report the assault, became furious months later when they learned the accused had not been held accountable. Police initially identified just one suspect and sought an arrest warrant, which the court rejected. A second suspect was later identified, but that warrant was also denied. The accused remain out of custody.

As the case drew public attention, the identities and movements of the accused began circulating on online communities and YouTube. One of the individuals reportedly released a hip-hop track after Kim’s death; amid the controversy, that track was removed from YouTube. Some claimed the suspects were affiliated with organized crime, but JTBC’s ‘Sageonbanjang’ reported that they are a fitness trainer and the owner of a delivery company.

The family has publicly protested the continued freedom of the alleged assailants. JTBC Newsroom released photos taken when Kim was transferred to the ICU showing distinct bruising on his eyelids, the bridge of his nose and his temples, and blood pooled in his ear — images that drew widespread sympathy. Although unconscious, tears were visible at the corners of his eyes. Kim’s father said, \”I want this wrongful death to be fully investigated. I hope all six people seen in the assault video are thoroughly questioned.\”

[Sports Today reporter Im Si-ryeong ent@stoo.com]
「Your closest, most engaging news ⓒ Sports Today」