Increase in Drug Types and Usage Frequency... Change of Stance to 'Warrant Application'
Police: "Union's Illegal Activities... Focused Investigation by Namdaemun Police Station"
The police have confirmed that they have applied for a pre-arrest warrant for actor Yoo Ah-in (37), considering the suspect's denial of charges and evidence tampering.
A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official stated at a regular press briefing on the 22nd, "Before conducting a full investigation, the policy was to investigate simple drug use without detention, so we did not consider an arrest warrant," but added, "Since April, the types of drugs and frequency of use have increased, and there are accomplices involved, so we have changed our stance to apply for an arrest warrant, considering the necessity of detention."
The police are also said to have taken into account the denial of the crime and evidence tampering by acquaintances who used drugs with Yoo. However, they have decided not to request warrants for the other two acquaintances.
Regarding the investigation into illegal activities of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (Minju Nochong) Construction Union, the police stated, "We are conducting pre-indictment investigations on five people, including the construction union chairman, on charges of violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act, and have requested their appearance on the 25th." They added, "Separately, three cases at Yongsan Police Station and Seodaemun Police Station will be consolidated and intensively investigated by Namdaemun Police Station." Regarding possible arrest if they fail to appear, the police explained, "There is a standard principle for investigations," and asked for understanding that they intend to conduct a swift and strict investigation considering the importance of the matter. So far, the union has not communicated whether they will appear before the police.
In connection with the case where a teenager took an extreme measure in a building in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, the man who was with the victim before the incident has been handed over to the prosecution. A police official said, "Mr. A, who met the deceased before the jump, was sent to prosecution without detention on the 19th on charges of assisting suicide and violating the Suicide Prevention Act." Earlier, on the 16th of last month, teenager B live-streamed the entire process on social media while taking an extreme measure on the rooftop of a building in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Regarding the right-turn stop policy, the police stated, "From January 22 this year to the 16th of this month, traffic accidents involving personal injury between right-turning vehicles and pedestrians in Seoul decreased by about 20% compared to the previous year, while fatal accidents increased by one, from two last year to three this year." They added, "We will continue consistent enforcement, guidance, and promotional activities."
Regarding the investigation into the FurEver Coin issuer, which triggered the Gangnam kidnapping and murder case, the police said, "We conducted a search and seizure of the issuer and others on the 10th and are currently analyzing the seized items."
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