'Lee Yong-gu Black Box Video' Known and Covered Up...? Police Form Truth Investigation Team, Begin Inquiry

Lee Yong-gu, Deputy Minister of Justice. / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The police have formed a fact-finding investigation team and begun an inquiry into allegations that a police officer who investigated the 'taxi driver assault' case involving Deputy Minister of Justice Lee Yong-gu had viewed the black box footage.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 24th, "It has been partially confirmed that Sergeant A, an investigator in charge at Seocho Police Station, viewed the black box footage on November 11 last year, and we are currently identifying the facts."

The police placed Sergeant A on administrative leave and, under the direction of the National Investigation Headquarters, formed a joint fact-finding investigation team consisting of 13 members led by the head of the Seoul Police Agency's investigation department to conduct the inquiry.

The investigation team plans to examine the timing when Sergeant A became aware of the existence of the black box footage, whether the Seocho Police Station team leader, section chief, and chief were informed, and other raised suspicions. A police official stated, "If any illegal acts are discovered as a result of the investigation, we will conduct a strict investigation regardless of rank or position."