The bereaved family of the late Lee Chae-won, the victim of the Jang Yoon-gi case, along with civic groups, stated today (July 13) that a thorough investigation must be conducted to uncover the substantive truth of the case.

They held a press conference this morning in front of the Gwangju District Court in Dong-gu, Gwangju, where the second trial of Jang Yoon-gi, who is charged with rape and murder, was held. They stated, "As public trust in the fairness and objectivity of the investigation is wavering, we urge a complete re-examination of the investigation based on newly revealed facts."

They added, "An investigation result that has been covered up and manipulated cannot resolve the injustice of the deceased or reveal the essence of the case. We must identify and punish those responsible for why and for whom the investigation was conducted so poorly."

They also emphasized, "There is no leniency for Jang Yoon-gi, who trampled on a precious life and destroyed a family. We ask the judiciary to impose the maximum sentence allowed by law."

Lee Chae-won's mother, who attended the press conference, appealed, "If the trial is proceeding based on manipulated and covered-up investigation results, can the injustice of our child be properly revealed in that trial? I want to ask the police: Was protecting your organization more important than the injustice suffered by our child?"

She further stated, "The law must be the same for everyone. It should not be different because someone is from a police family, nor should ordinary citizens be treated with negligence. We request that all raised suspicions be investigated without sanctuary and that the results be transparently explained to the public and the bereaved family."

Lee's mother also urged the court to impose a severe punishment on Jang.

She demanded, "My blood boils when I think about how much the perpetrator, who did not even undergo a proper investigation, must have been laughing inside. I ask that you impose the heaviest penalty the law can provide, the death penalty, on that devil who completely destroyed our family's life."

During the second trial held at the Gwangju District Court this morning, Jang Yoon-gi admitted to all charges in the indictment regarding whether he acknowledged the "murder with the intent to commit rape."

Jang was arrested and indicted on charges of stabbing and killing Lee on a street in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, at 12:11 a.m. on May 5.

(Photo: Yonhap News)