Family of Teen Who Died After Police Search Sues State

The family of 17-year-old "A" has filed a 300 million won lawsuit against the state and the police officers in charge, alleging his death by suicide following a police search.

In their lawsuit filed in June, the family argued that the investigation process, conducted without parents present and targeting a minor, violated the Criminal Procedure Act, which stipulates the right to counsel, and the Rules of Investigation for Human Rights Protection.

The family's legal representative maintains that the unlawful search and seizure led to the deceased's death.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on a Sunday when five police officers entered A's home. A was suspected of exchanging explicit photos with a female student of a similar age.

Police presented the search warrant to A's older sister, who was present at the time. The search and seizure proceeded for 17 minutes without the parents present.

Home security footage shows police officers interrogating A about the charges. It also reveals a situation where the investigation continued despite a fellow officer suggesting they wait for a guardian to arrive.

A died by suicide on the same night as the police search.

In response, the police stated that there were no issues with the search and seizure process, asserting that the procedure was lawful as A's adult sister was present. They indicated they would respond to the lawsuit accordingly.