Prosecutors have formed a dedicated investigation team for the case involving the late film director Kim Chang-min, who died after being assaulted at a restaurant in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, last year.
The Namyangju Branch of the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors' Office said on Monday that it assembled a dedicated team led by the chief of Criminal Division 2, comprising three prosecutors and five investigators, after receiving the case from the Guri Police Station on June 2.
"We will conduct a swift and rigorous supplementary investigation by utilizing forensic science techniques and actively incorporating the opinions of prosecutors with medical expertise, ensuring justice for the victim," the Namyangju branch said.
Kim was punched and collapsed during a dispute over noise with patrons at another table while dining with his son at a restaurant in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, in the early hours of October 20 last year. He was transported to a nearby hospital about an hour after the incident but never regained consciousness and was declared brain-dead on November 7. Kim donated his organs, giving new life to four people before he passed away.
Police investigating the case sought an arrest warrant for the male suspect identified only as "A," who assaulted Kim, but prosecutors returned the request and demanded a supplementary investigation. Police subsequently filed a second arrest warrant request for A and one other person on charges of assault resulting in death after conducting the additional investigation. However, the Namyangju Branch of the Uijeongbu District Court rejected the warrant, citing the suspect's fixed residence and no risk of evidence destruction.
Police then referred the case with A and the other suspect remaining free without detention. The bereaved family protested, saying the entire process — from the initial response to prosecution — had been inadequate.
Kim directed films including *Someone's Daughter*, *Exit 3 of Guui Station*, *Boiler*, and *Reply*.