Acting Police Chief on Alleged Cover-Up of "No Referral for Lee Junseok": "Presumption of Innocence Applies"

"Disclosure of Investigation Details Could Harm Individuals," Says Acting Commissioner
National Investigation Headquarters Chief Concealed "No Charges" Decision
Final Conclusion Reached Within a Day of Announcing "Under Review"

Yu Jaeseong, Acting Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, addressed suspicions on December 18 regarding the alleged cover-up of the decision not to refer Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, to prosecution over his "sexually violent remarks" case. He stated, "The final judgment is made by the court, and the presumption of innocence applies," adding, "While I am responding to press briefings and interviews, I must be cautious when it comes to disclosing details of ongoing investigations."

Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, is giving a general speech at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News

On this day, Acting Commissioner Yu met with reporters at the National Police Agency and said, "If details of the investigation are disclosed specifically, it could result in harm to individuals."

In response to concerns that the police may selectively brief the media on certain cases, Acting Commissioner Yu stated, "We will coordinate closely with the National Investigation Headquarters to balance the public's right to know with the protection of basic rights, and manage investigative disclosures accordingly."

Previously, Park Seongju, Commissioner of the National Investigation Headquarters, commented on Lee's case on November 24, saying, "The investigation is proceeding according to protocol. We will reach a conclusion soon," thereby concealing the fact that a decision not to refer the case had already been made. However, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency had already decided not to refer Lee to prosecution on November 21.

On November 25, as suspicions of a cover-up arose, the National Investigation Headquarters stated, "We are reviewing whether there were any shortcomings in detail," 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, "Upon reviewing the case related to Lee's remarks at the debate, we determined there was no problem."

In the investigation result notification, the police stated, "It is difficult to dismiss Lee's claims, and there is insufficient evidence to conclude that he was aware his remarks were false at the time, so the evidence is lacking."

On May 27, Lee was accused of attempting to slander Kwon Youngguk, the Democratic Labor Party candidate, by referencing past remarks made by the son of Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party candidate, during a televised presidential debate on political issues.

Lee was also reported to investigative authorities for specifically describing acts of sexual violence by mentioning certain female body parts.