Police Station Chief Who Viewed CCTV of Junior's Work Scene After 'Gapjil' Complaint Sent for Violation of Personal Information Protection Act

A former police station chief was referred to the prosecution for allegedly neglecting duty after unlawfully viewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showing the work behavior of a subordinate police officer who filed a complaint against him for 'gapjil' (abuse of power).

According to the police on the 6th, the Gangdong Police Station in Seoul sent former Seongdong Police Station Kumho Police Substation Chief Sergeant A to the prosecution the day before on charges of violating the Personal Information Protection Act.

Earlier, Officer Park filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in April, accusing his superior, Sergeant A, of 'gapjil' by summoning him to a meal with an acquaintance, Mr. B.

Officer Park claimed that Sergeant A introduced Mr. B as a 'local influential figure' and that Mr. B called him the 'police substation chief's secretary' and made him peel fruit. Officer Park also stated that Sergeant A sent him messages such as "Chairman B said he will promote you" and "The chairman is calling. Come to the office briefly."

In response, Sergeant A filed a counter-complaint alleging Officer Park's neglect of duty. During this process, it was investigated that Sergeant A unlawfully viewed the security CCTV footage to check Officer Park's work behavior.

Officer Park, upon learning of this, filed a criminal complaint against Sergeant A.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed that Officer Park received a three-month salary reduction as a disciplinary measure. Sergeant A had filed a complaint against Officer Park for reasons including wearing plain clothes, failing to register flexible working hours for commuting, improper receipt of travel expenses, inappropriate behavior, and failure to follow legitimate orders, but later withdrew the complaint. However, the police continued the investigation and referred Officer Park to the disciplinary committee.

Previously, Sergeant A received a reprimand last month.

Meanwhile, Mr. B was sent to the prosecution in August on charges of forced molestation for holding Officer Park's hand and hugging him at the meal gathering.