National Investigation Chief Concealed "No Charges" Decision
Promised "Under Review," Reversed in a Day
Bribery-Related Police Fines Soar 176-Fold in Five Years
Yu Jaesung, Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency, stated on December 8 that he has "no additional comments" regarding suspicions of concealing the decision not to refer Lee Junseok, Representative of the Reform New Party, for prosecution over his alleged sexually violent remarks.
During a regular press briefing that day, Acting Commissioner Yu was asked about his stance on the matter. He replied, "I have not given it much thought," adding, "I will speak again after reviewing the issue."
Previously, on November 24, Park Sungjoo, Chief of the National Investigation Headquarters, commented on the case involving Representative Lee, saying, "The investigation is ongoing according to procedure. We will reach a conclusion quickly," thereby concealing the fact that a non-referral decision had already been made. However, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency had already decided not to refer Representative Lee for prosecution on November 21.
On November 25, the National Investigation Headquarters responded to growing suspicions of a cover-up by stating, "We are reviewing whether there are any specific shortcomings," and added, "The matter has not been finalized. We ask for your understanding."
Less than a day later, on November 26, the National Investigation Headquarters quickly concluded, "After reviewing the case related to Representative Lee's remarks at the forum, we determined there were no issues."
In the official investigation result notification, the police stated, "It is difficult to reject Representative Lee's claims, and there is insufficient evidence to definitively conclude that he was aware of the falsehood of his remarks at the time."
Representative Lee was accused of attempting to slander Kwon Youngguk, the Democratic Labor Party candidate, during a televised presidential debate on May 27 by referencing past remarks made by the son of Lee Jaemyung, then the Democratic Party candidate.
Representative Lee was reported to investigative authorities for specifically describing acts of sexual violence by mentioning certain female body parts.
Regarding the nearly 800 million won in disciplinary fines imposed on police officers caught receiving bribes this year, Acting Commissioner Yu stated, "We will take strict action against bribery and ensure thorough management through continuous inspections and training to establish discipline among public officials." He added, "I deeply regret that bribery among police officers has not been eradicated."
According to data submitted by the office of Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Konyoung to the National Police Agency, disciplinary fines from January to October this year totaled 790.29 million won, a 176-fold increase compared to five years ago (447,000 won in 2020). Disciplinary fines are punitive penalties that require public officials who commit financial misconduct, such as accepting bribes or embezzling public funds, to pay up to five times the amount involved.
In addition to bribery, moral hazard within the police organization has reached a serious level. The total number of disciplinary cases involving police officers was tallied at 427. By reason, there were 133 cases of disciplinary violations, 124 cases of conduct unbecoming, 61 cases of drunk driving, 49 cases of sexual misconduct, 38 cases of neglect of duty, and 22 cases of bribery. By rank, there were 6 cases involving senior superintendents or higher, 32 involving superintendents, 129 involving senior inspectors, 124 involving inspectors, 54 involving assistant inspectors, 47 involving sergeants, and 35 involving constables.
By level of disciplinary action, there were 23 dismissals, 62 discharges, 34 demotions, 79 suspensions, 88 salary reductions, and 141 reprimands. There are six types of disciplinary actions for police officers: dismissal, discharge, demotion, suspension, salary reduction, and reprimand. Actions classified as suspension or higher are considered severe disciplinary measures. In the case of dismissal, the individual cannot be reappointed as a public official for five years and their retirement benefits may be reduced by up to 50 percent. In the case of discharge, reappointment is possible after three years, and retirement benefits may be reduced by up to 25 percent.
By regional police agency, the breakdown was as follows: Seoul 86 cases, Gyeonggi Southern 54, Jeonnam 33, Gyeongbuk 30, Incheon 28, Gyeonggi Northern and Busan 25 each, Daegu 22, Gyeongnam 21, Gangwon 17, Jeonbuk 19, Chungbuk and Ulsan 16 each, Chungnam 14, Jeju 10, Gwangju 6, Daejeon 3, and Sejong 1. Compared to last year, Incheon, Ulsan, Gangwon, and Jeonbuk recorded more disciplinary cases.
Although police leadership has emphasized restoring public trust, in reality, that foundation is being shaken. In his inaugural address in June, Acting Commissioner Yu stated, "The policy direction of the National Police Agency will be set and executed with the public as the central focus." Chief Park also said, "We will conduct strict and fair investigations in accordance with the law and principles, establishing ourselves as an investigative agency trusted by the public."
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