Seoul: A court on Monday issued arrest warrants for two men accused of fatally assaulting film director Kim Chang-min, more than six months after his death. Kim was assaulted outside a restaurant in Guri, just east of Seoul, on October 20 in a dispute over noise. He later died in a hospital on November 7 after being declared brain-dead.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Namyangju branch of the Uijeongbu District Court issued the warrants for the two 31-year-old suspects, surnamed Lee and Lim, citing risks of flight and destruction of evidence. The case has gained nationwide attention following revelations that earlier requests for the suspects' warrants had been rejected, as the court previously dismissed the requests, stating that the suspects did not pose flight risks.

Last month, the prosecution formed a special team to handle the case and re-filed the warrant requests based on a revamped investigation. This enhanced investigation included witness questioning of Kim's son, who has a developmental disability and was present at the scene of the assault.

Kim Chang-min was known for directing the 2016 short film "No one's Daughter," which earned him the Best Director award at the Police Human Rights Film Festival that year. His other works include the 2019 film "Guui Station Exit No. 3."