The tragic truth behind the death of late director Kim Chang-min, who saved four precious lives and became a star in the sky, at age 40, has been belatedly revealed, prompting public outrage and mourning online. It was revealed that his death was not a simple accident but was caused by 'assault-related' injuries.
According to reports including Yonhap News on the 31st, late director Kim Chang-min was assaulted at a 24-hour restaurant in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 20 last year. At the time, Kim went to the restaurant with his son, who has autistic tendencies, after the son said, "I want to eat pork cutlet," which adds to the sorrow.
During the meal, an argument broke out with customers at a neighboring table over noise issues, and during the scuffle Kim was struck by a punch and fell to the floor, according to reports. He was later taken to a nearby hospital but never regained consciousness and was declared brain-dead.
Kim Chang-min's younger sister said in Nov. last year, "My brother, who collapsed from a cerebral hemorrhage on the 20th of last month, never regained consciousness despite the family's fervent wishes. After being declared brain-dead on the 7th, he shared four precious new lives through organ donation and departed to be with the Lord," she said. She added, "On the outside he seemed strong, but he was warmer and more delicate than anyone. I would be grateful if those who remember my brother would pray for him and remember him so his final journey is not lonely, even from afar," words that left viewers' hearts heavy.
Born in Seoul as the eldest son among one son and one daughter, Kim had a delicate and meticulous personality and was interested in music and film from a young age. After being discharged from the military, he began working in film production and connected with audiences through roles such as animation team member, screenwriter and director.
He liked listening to other people's stories and wanted to share people's hearts through film. According to acquaintances, he was a warm person who wanted to bring people's pain and difficulties out into the open to talk about them together and offer comfort.
The deceased's father delivered a final farewell, saying, "My son, you wanted to become a film director to achieve your dream of conveying your story through film, and now your works are finally coming out into the world, yet you leave just as you are about to reap the rewards. I will create a film festival in your name so you can see it even from heaven, so rest comfortably in the sky. I love you."
In 2016, Kim won the director's award at the Police Human Rights Film Festival for 'Somebody's Daughter' and participated in many well-made works such as 'Captain Kim Chang-su,' 'The Witch,' 'The Drug King,' 'The Map Into the Heavens,' 'Rain and Your Story,' and 'Firefighter,' actively pursuing his career.
Recognized for his talent during his life, the deceased was beautiful until the end. Following his frequent expressed wish, "I want to save other lives at the end of my life," the family decided on organ donation. Kim donated his heart, liver and both kidneys, saving four precious lives before passing away.
The bereaved family said, "Even though a university hospital was nearby, the transfer was delayed by an hour and the golden time was missed," and added that "it is extremely unfair that the investigation has been delayed for months and the suspects have not even been arrested," expressing outrage. The police applied for arrest warrants twice for the suspects accused of negligent homicide causing injury, but the court rejected them both on the grounds that "they have a fixed residence and there is no risk of evidence tampering." Ultimately, the suspects were handed over to the prosecution last week without detention.
When this news spread, online comments mourning the deceased and calling for severe punishment grew, including "How could this happen to a father who went to eat pork cutlet for his son?", "He is a hero who saved four people, but the perpetrators' punishment is too light," and "A thorough investigation is needed." A film industry official raised their voice, saying, "He was an ordinary father with a son and a passionate filmmaker. I think a clear investigation is necessary to ensure the noble meaning of the sharing he left behind does not fade and to clear up the injustice."
[Photo] SNS
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