Police Team Leader Accused of Expediting Influencer's Case After Receiving Bribes

A police investigation team leader is accused of receiving bribes from the husband of influencer Yang Jeong-won, allegedly in exchange for expediting a "no-guilt" conclusion in her fraud case. According to a bill of indictment submitted by the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office to a ruling party lawmaker, the team leader, identified as Song, met with Yang's husband, Lee, at a high-end bar in Gangnam in February of last year. Lee allegedly provided 510,000 won worth of entertainment.

At the time, Yang was under investigation for fraud allegations brought by franchisees of her Pilates academy. Two days after the alleged bribe, on February 22, Song reportedly called Lee and stated, "I told the investigator in charge (OOO) to quickly conclude it as no guilt."

Prosecutors further allege that Lee provided Song with another 550,000 won entertainment bribe in July of the same year. Later that month, Lee also gifted Song items worth approximately 1 million won, including a luxury scarf. The indictment details that Song told Lee the day after receiving the gifts, "I'll let you know the results," and added, "Your wife's case will end well."

Song's detention warrant for bribery charges was requested in April but dismissed by the court, which cited disputes over the quid pro quo nature of the alleged exchange. The case highlights serious allegations of corruption within the police force and the potential for undue influence in ongoing investigations.