Police Chief Nominee's Hearing Focused on 'Late Park Won-soon's Sexual Harassment Allegations'... "Necessary Investigations Will Continue"

Candidate Kim Chang-ryong, "Sexual harassment accusation is 'No Prosecution Authority'"
Willingness to investigate 6 related complaints

Kim Chang-ryong, nominee for Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, is taking the witness oath at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 20th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Kim Chang-ryong, the nominee for Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, expressed his intention to continue investigating the allegations of sexual harassment against the late Park Won-soon, former Mayor of Seoul. He maintained the fundamental position that the case filed by former secretary A must be handled as 'no prosecutorial jurisdiction.'

During the confirmation hearing of nominee Kim before the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee on the 20th, questions regarding the investigation into the allegations against the late Mayor Park were concentrated across both ruling and opposition parties. Kim stated, "There are six cases under police investigation related to complaints and accusations against the late Mayor Park," adding, "We will investigate within the necessary scope according to the law." He also promised a thorough investigation into the 'secondary harm' incidents against the victims and the motives behind Mayor Park's death.

However, the inquiries from ruling and opposition party members showed some differences. The ruling party focused more on the issue of the leak of the accusation facts rather than the sexual harassment allegations themselves. In response to a question from Democratic Party member Han Byung-do about whether the fact of the accusation against Mayor Park was reported to the Blue House at an appropriate time, Kim replied, "Major incidents attracting social attention are reported at the occurrence stage." Democratic Party member Lim Ho-seon also called for revisions to the police reporting regulations.

On the other hand, the opposition party strongly urged the clarification of the sexual harassment allegations against the late Mayor Park. Justice Party member Lee Eun-joo demanded a strong will from nominee Kim to uncover the truth, and Future United Party member Kim Hyung-dong expressed regret over the investigation process by questioning the report text Kim received on the day the accusation was filed. Kim responded, "We will continue necessary investigations strictly and thoroughly."

Additionally, the ruling party continued inquiries on police reform tasks such as the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and police and the introduction of a local police system. Kim said, "As the authority and accountability of police investigations have increased through investigative structure reform, we are considering various measures to ensure accountability, neutrality, and fairness," adding, "Institutionally, it is desirable to strengthen control through the actualization of the Police Commission and to introduce a system where the head of the National Investigation Headquarters, an open position, oversees and manages investigations."

Nominee Kim also emphasized strict measures in response to questions related to the late triathlon athlete Choi Sook-hyun, who made an extreme choice due to group bullying and assault. The late Choi's side filed a complaint with the prosecution, requesting a direct investigation, and held a press conference at the National Assembly criticizing the police's inadequate investigation.

Regarding this, Democratic Party member Lee Hae-sik asked questions, to which Kim replied, "I assume the victim trusted the prosecution's investigation more," adding, "The victim might have had concerns about inadequate investigations." Kim emphasized, "The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency is currently conducting an internal inspection of the entire complaint case," and said, "We will take strict measures after reviewing the results."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.