Failure to uncover truth

Prosecutors, police should be held responsible for poor probe

A years-long scandal over the 2009 suicide of a 29-year-old actress who claimed to have been sexually abused by high-profile figures has finally ended in an unsolved mystery as an independent "truth committee of past affairs" essentially failed to uncover the truth.

The panel, commissioned by the Ministry of Justice, only concluded that the probes by the prosecution and police left much to be desired and the Chosun Ilbo, a Korean language newspaper with the largest subscription here, allegedly attempted to influence the investigation after it reviewed a 250-page report on the results of a 13-month probe by a special team from the prosecutor-general's office.

However, the panel revealed that "it was difficult" to recommend a reinvestigation into core suspicions of the case. What a disappointing conclusion! It even failed to live up to the "order" of President Moon Jaein in March for a thorough investigation into the death of the actress, Jang Jayeon, who committed suicide March 3, 2009, after leaving an alleged list of men with whom she was forced to have sex.

The poor investigation of the prosecution and police in early stages was found to be responsible for the failure to bring to light the whole truth. So, those in charge of the investigation should be reprimanded, not to speak of their "sincere" apology.

As to the alleged involvement of the major daily's executive in the scandal, the panel said the prosecution's decision not to indict him was improper, though it confirmed the paper's influence on the investigation. It is deplorable that the prosecution could not continue to probe the case due to the statute of limitations and a lack of evidence.

Furthermore, the investigative authorities were found to have neglected crucial material and evidence to help confirm the motive of the young actress' wrongful death. Both the prosecution and police have to make it clear to the people how they will take responsibility for the "unsolved mystery."