Family files for release of records on North Korea’s killing

The family of Lee Dae-jun, the man killed by North Korean soldiers at sea about a year and a half ago, filed for the release of information now archived as presidential records on Wednesday.

“The court sided with the family last November, and ordered Cheong Wa Dae to release the information on the case,” the attorney representing the family, Kim Ki-yun, told reporters outside the Presidential Archives building in Sejong, North Chungcheong Province.

“But Cheong Wa Dae appealed the court order, and then designated the information as part of the presidential records as the president (Moon Jae-in) left office,” he said. Once archived, the information is off limits to public for at least 15 years, possibly longer. The attorney worries that by then the statutes of limitations will have expired.

According to data from the Ministry of Interior and Safety, the number of records archived by Moon to be kept secret stands at 393,000 — nearly double that of his predecessor Park Geun-hye’s 204,000, who was impeached before she could finish her term.

It’s highly improbable that Wednesday’s request would lead to a disclosure.

Unlocking presidential records requires approval from more than two thirds of the National Asssembly or a warrant issued by the chief justice of a high court.

The family is seeking the information in hopes it could aid court efforts in holding the people responsible accountable, including those in North Korea. The attorney said the family also has the right to know the run-up to, during and after what would constitute an extrajudicial killing of a loved one.

Among the information the family has asked for the release of are the first reports made to the Coast Guard and the defense authorities at the time Lee went missing, and what the Cheong Wa Dae was doing in the hours leading up to the incident.

By Kim Arin (arin@heraldcorp.com)