The program “Scandal Supervisor” shed light on the ongoing investigation into the death of late director Kim Chang Min, who passed away following a recent assault case.

On the April 6 broadcast of JTBC’s “Scandal Supervisor,” the show covered the identity of the perpetrators, the status of the investigation, and even controversy surrounding a music release linked to the suspects.

Reporter Yang Won-bo began by noting, “The controversy over a poorly handled investigation is growing, and the prosecution has reportedly formed a dedicated task force to reopen the case.”

Professor Park Sang-hee, a psychology expert, recounted the incident: “In the early morning of October 20 last year, director Kim Chang Min went to a 24-hour restaurant with his son, who has a developmental disability. He was then unilaterally assaulted by two men and collapsed. Within an hour, he was taken to the hospital but was declared brain-dead. He later passed away after donating his organs, saving four lives.”

She added that initially, the police identified only one suspect. However, the victim’s family independently secured CCTV footage and witness testimonies and submitted them to the prosecution. Following supplementary investigation requests, two suspects were eventually referred without detention on charges of injury resulting in death. A special investigation team consisting of three prosecutors and five investigators has now been formed, with authorities pledging a swift and thorough reinvestigation using scientific and medical expertise.

Yang further stated that the bereaved family expressed deep disappointment toward both the police for mishandling the initial investigation and the court for rejecting arrest warrants. “The suspects are currently roaming freely in the neighborhood without detention. When investigations fall apart like this, it often leads to so-called ‘online detective squads’ stepping in,” he noted.

Attorney Son Soo-ho confirmed that photos of two alleged perpetrators have indeed been circulating online. However, he clarified that not all claims are accurate: one of the individuals in the photos is unrelated to the case, while the other was reportedly present but tried to stop the assault. Regarding rumors of gang affiliation, the production team contacted the alleged organization, which denied that the suspects were members, stating they were merely acquaintances.

Public anger intensified over allegations that one of the suspects released a hip-hop album after the incident. Yang reported, “There are claims that one of the perpetrators released a hip-hop album.” An acquaintance of the suspect stated in an interview that the album release was real, adding that attempts at settlement had failed.

Attorney Park Ji-hoon emphasized the timing: “If true, it means the music was released just four months after the victim’s death. The lyrics are also reportedly shocking.” He added that the track has since been removed from YouTube amid the controversy.

Meanwhile, announcer Kim Ha-eun highlighted that, according to the victim’s family, they have not received any apology or contact from the suspects. She also cited claims from a YouTuber alleging that one of the suspects boasted after the incident, saying, “My punch hasn’t lost its edge I knocked him down with one hit,” further fueling outrage as the suspects remain free.

Attorney Son explained that while the police did apply for arrest warrants twice, both were rejected by the court. He raised a critical question: “Was the investigation conducted thoroughly enough to justify detention, or was it insufficient, leading to the rejection? The public cannot determine this without transparency.”

He added that the Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Police Agency is currently reviewing whether the initial investigation by the Guri Police Station was appropriate. Online, petitions demanding strict punishment for the suspects continue to spread. “This case includes clear video evidence showing what happened. If so, why does the outcome seem inconsistent with the apparent facts? Authorities must provide an explanation for the public to accept the results,” he stressed.

Sources: Nate