Police Chief Firmly Responds "Confidentiality is the Principle" to Questions on Moon Dahye's Drunk Driving Investigation [2024 National Audit]

Possibility of Changing Investigation Location and Personal Safety Measures Raised
Unofficial Proceedings and Safety Measures Under Review
Cautious Stance on Applying Dangerous Driving Causing Injury Charges

On the 11th, at the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit, Police Commissioner Jo Ji-ho responded to a question about whether the attendance and investigation of Moon Da-hye, who was booked on charges of drunk driving, would be made public by stating, "All investigations are, in principle, confidential." He also mentioned that necessary measures could be taken if there were threats to Moon's personal safety, adding that "I understand the schedule is being coordinated."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Moon's investigation is expected to take place, in principle, at the Seoul Yongsan Police Station, which is the responsible police station. However, Commissioner Jo added that if there is a threat to the personal safety of the person attending, the investigation location could be reconsidered elsewhere. This statement has led to interpretations that the investigation location for Moon could be changed from Yongsan Police Station to another place. The police agency later clarified to reporters that it meant "measures for personal safety could be reviewed," and explained that there is no regulatory basis in the police public relations rules for changing the investigation location.

Ruling party lawmakers asked whether charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes for dangerous driving causing injury could be applied to Moon, rather than just simple drunk driving. Commissioner Jo took a cautious stance, saying, "It is a matter to be judged after confirming the facts."

Meanwhile, Moon was booked on the 5th in the early morning for allegedly driving under the influence and colliding with a taxi in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. At the time, her blood alcohol concentration was 0.149%, which corresponds to the level for license cancellation. Since the traffic accident was caused by drunk driving, there is also a possibility that the charges may be changed during the investigation process.