South Korean police superintendent sues prosecutor over drug probe obstruction claims

Superintendent Baek Hae-ryong, head of the Hwagok district police station, has filed a complaint with the National Investigation Headquarters against Seoul Eastern District Prosecutor's Office official Im Eun-jeong. The complaint accuses Im of abuse of power and defamation, stemming from Baek's investigation into alleged drug smuggling by customs officials.

Baek, who was dispatched to the joint investigation team in October, claims he was not granted the necessary authority for a month after joining. He further alleges that his investigation, which he had previously led, was hampered by a lack of access to investigation materials from the joint team and even from the Yeongdeungpo Police Station. This, he contends, prevented him from conducting a proper investigation, despite a presidential directive to cooperate with the joint team.

Adding to his grievances, Baek accuses Im of defamation. He points to a statement released by the Eastern District Prosecutor's Office, which suggested Baek's investigation was based on false testimony from drug smugglers. Baek asserts that Im further disseminated this narrative on her personal Facebook page, which he considers an insult to his personal integrity.

Furthermore, Baek has also filed a defamation complaint against YouTuber Lee Dong-hyeong, who allegedly claimed on a broadcast that evidence related to the "drug gate" was reviewed by individuals sent from the presidential office, and that Baek failed to present sufficient evidence beyond foreign couriers' statements. Baek is also challenging an ongoing internal police audit concerning the alleged leaking of investigation records, demanding that the facts leading to the audit be investigated first.