This Time, 'Mask Hoarding' Suspicion... Former Gangnam Police Chief Explains "Purchased Legitimately"

The former chief of the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, who was placed on standby, recently completely denied the newly surfaced allegations such as 'mask hoarding.' Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] The former chief of the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, who was placed on standby pending investigation over allegations such as drinking alcohol during working hours and calling a subordinate female police officer to a drinking party, recently completely denied newly surfaced allegations including 'mask hoarding.'

On the 27th, Commissioner Park denied allegations that during last year's COVID-19 mask shortage, he ordered subordinates to hand over a large quantity of illegally seized masks to his pharmacist wife.

In his statement, Commissioner Park explained, "During the crackdown on mask hoarding, the government also requested the rapid sale of stock held by some companies," adding, "If there was no (sales) contract with the vendors, I checked whether it was possible to purchase masks through pharmacies at a selling price rather than cost."

He continued, "My wife purchased about 300 masks, another pharmacy bought about 2,000 masks, and there are tax invoices," adding, "I recall inquiries were made to other companies as well, but those with sales contracts said it was not possible."

Commissioner Park is also under suspicion of having stayed multiple times at a luxury resort in Korea, with allegations that a construction businessman paid for the accommodation. He denied this, stating, "This is groundless. I have a countryside home that is well maintained, so there is no problem with lodging and meals. My wife's family lives nearby, so there is no reason to use an expensive resort."

Previously, from 2019 to 2020, while serving as the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Intelligent Crime Investigation Unit (Jisudae Chief), Commissioner Park was internally reported by subordinate officers regarding drinking allegations. He is also suspected of calling a subordinate female police officer to drinking parties. Additionally, allegations have been raised that he colluded with a lawyer who is a former police officer during his time as Jisudae Chief.

Meanwhile, the police have placed Commissioner Park on standby, and on the 23rd, conducted a complainant investigation at the Mapo office of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.