The family of the late Lee Chae-won and civic groups called Monday for a full reinvestigation into her death, saying the truth behind the case must be established.
Speaking at a press conference outside the Gwangju District Court in Dong-gu on the morning of Jang Yun-gi's second hearing — where he faces charges of rape and murder — the groups said public trust in the fairness and objectivity of the investigation had been shaken. "We call for a thorough and comprehensive review of the investigation based on newly uncovered facts," they said.
They added that "the grievances of the deceased cannot be addressed, nor can the true nature of the case be revealed, through investigation results that were concealed and manipulated," and said those responsible for the shoddy probe must be identified and held accountable for what they hid and for whom.
The groups also said there would be "no leniency for Jang Yun-gi, who trampled a precious life and destroyed a family," and called on the judiciary to impose the maximum sentence allowed by law.
Lee's mother, who attended the press conference, appealed directly to police. "If the trial is proceeding on the basis of manipulated and concealed investigation results, can my child's grievances truly be brought to light in that courtroom?" she said. "I want to ask the police: was protecting your organization more important than clearing my child's name?"
She also called for an investigation free of any protected interests. "The law must be equal for everyone — it must not change because someone is a police officer's family member, and it must not be applied carelessly because someone is an ordinary citizen," she said. "We ask that all raised allegations be investigated without exception and that the findings be explained transparently before the public and the bereaved family."
She went on to say that the thought of the perpetrator "laughing inwardly all this time, having never been properly investigated, makes my blood boil," and demanded that "the maximum sentence the law can impose — the death penalty — be handed down to that devil who destroyed our family's entire life."
sij@heraldcorp.com
