Drunken Female Officer Causes Disturbance in ER, Faces Backlash After Promotion Nomination

Included in the promotion list scheduled for 3 days after verbally abusing medical staff while intoxicated at hospital last May

A female police officer affiliated with the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency, who caused a disturbance in a hospital emergency room while intoxicated, has been included among promotion candidates, sparking controversy. On the 3rd, the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency announced plans to carry out a promotion personnel announcement that includes Sergeant A, the female police officer. Sergeant A is known to have passed the promotion exam held earlier this year and has already been included as a promotion candidate.

A female police officer belonging to the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency, who caused a disturbance in a hospital emergency room while heavily intoxicated, is included among the candidates for promotion, sparking controversy. On the 3rd, the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency announced plans to carry out a promotion personnel reshuffle including Sergeant A.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

However, controversy has arisen over whether it is appropriate for Sergeant A to be promoted while currently under investigation for violating the Emergency Medical Service Act. On May 28, Sergeant A was returning home after dining with colleagues in Gangneung when she fell and injured her face, leading her to visit a hospital emergency room. When medical staff recommended a CT scan of the injured area, she demanded CT scans of other body parts such as her legs and engaged in a verbal altercation, including using abusive language. The hospital staff reported the incident, and the police were dispatched.

Subsequently, Sergeant A visited the hospital several times to apologize, but medical staff and hospital officials reportedly wish to pursue punishment. A hospital official stated, "Regarding whether to reach a settlement, the medical staff's position is that they 'do not want to consider it,'" adding, "It is incomprehensible that a police officer, who is supposed to supervise and enforce regulations, committed such an act."

Regarding the controversy, a police official said, "Unless there is a disciplinary recommendation or notification of disposition from the Office of Inspection, Audit, and Human Rights, or reasons such as suspension or leave of absence, the individual cannot be excluded from the promotion candidates," and added, "Since there has been no internal disciplinary action against Sergeant A to date, she has been included in the promotion personnel list according to procedure."