"Police Version of The World of the Married"... Police Organization in Turmoil Over Extramarital Affairs Among Married Officers

Developed an affair while working at the same police station
Previous severe disciplinary cases changed from 'dismissal' to 'demotion'
Police "Investigation complete... inappropriate to mention personal issues"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] An affair has occurred between two police couples, prompting an internal investigation by the police. Since all parties involved belong to the same provincial police agency, this has caused significant controversy within the organization.

According to the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency on the 11th, the police recently conducted an internal investigation into officers A (male) and B (female) on charges of violating the duty to maintain dignity under the National Public Officials Act. It was found that they developed an extramarital relationship while working at the same police station. Both are police officers married to fellow officers. Furthermore, all four individuals belong to the same provincial police agency.

Due to this unusual situation, the controversy within the police force has reportedly intensified. Officer C, the husband of Officer B, is reportedly considering resignation due to the shock. It is also known that Officer C is acquainted with Officer A, his wife's affair partner.

The Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency confirmed the facts by summoning Officers A and B at the end of last month and plans to hold a disciplinary committee to determine the level of punishment for the two. Within the police force, it is anticipated that severe disciplinary actions such as dismissal or demotion will be difficult to avoid.

There have been precedents of severe disciplinary actions for extramarital relationships within the police organization. In July last year, the Personnel Innovation Committee's Appeal Review Board applied Article 63 (Duty to Maintain Dignity) of the National Public Officials Act to married police officers who maintained an extramarital relationship for three years after meeting during fieldwork, resulting in a dismissal. However, upon the parties' request that the punishment was too harsh, the final decision was reduced to demotion.

A representative of the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency stated, "Since all procedures including the investigation have already been completed, it does not seem appropriate to make further comments on the matter."