South Jeolla Police Official Investigated for Alleged Case Assignment Interference, Past Misconduct Cited

A senior police official in South Jeolla Province is currently facing an internal investigation for allegedly trying to steer a case involving an acquaintance to a particular investigative unit. The official, identified by the surname K, was previously stationed at the Yeosu Police Station and reportedly instructed that a recently filed case be assigned to a specific team. The case's complainant is known to be an acquaintance of Superintendent K.

While the case was not assigned as instructed, the investigation is ongoing. This is not the first time Superintendent K has faced scrutiny for his conduct during investigations. Five years ago, in January 2021, he was disciplined for inappropriate behavior during a probe into a fatal accident at POSCO's Gwangyang Steelworks. The accident, which occurred in November 2020, resulted in the deaths of three workers. Superintendent K was the lead investigator for that case. Despite an internal review at the time, he received a minor disciplinary action, a one-month suspension of pay.

The current investigation aims to determine if Superintendent K engaged in any improper influence or actions during the case assignment process. The South Jeolla Provincial Police Agency is leading the internal probe.