Jeonbuk Police Remove Investigators from Duty amid 'Coercive Investigation' Controversy

Jeonbuk Police Expresses Position Amid Allegations of Coercive Investigation
Following Death of Suspect in Iksan Signboard Maintenance Project Corruption Case

Amid the ongoing investigation into corruption related to the signboard maintenance project in Iksan, Jeonbuk, a suspect under investigation has died, raising suspicions of coercive interrogation during the police investigation. In response, the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency has removed the team leader and investigators involved in the case from their duties.

Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency building. Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency

On August 8, the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency issued a statement expressing "deep condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family," and announced, "Until the allegations of coercive investigation are clarified, the personnel involved will be excluded from their duties and another team leader will take charge of the case." The agency further stated, "We plan to conduct an internal investigation to determine the facts and identify accountability."

The Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency also added that Kim Cheolmun, the chief of the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency, has instructed all investigative departments in the province to "exercise utmost caution to ensure due process and protect human rights during investigations."

Previously, at around 6 p.m. on August 7, a man in his 40s, identified as A, was found dead at a business site in Bongdong-eup, Wanju County. A had been under police investigation on suspicion of offering bribes in connection with the signboard maintenance project promoted by Iksan City. It is known that after undergoing a police search and seizure and being questioned as a suspect on August 3, A expressed psychological distress to an acquaintance, reportedly saying, "They say they will shut down my company," and implying suspicions of coercive investigation.