Police to Conduct Lie Detector Test on 'Park Won-soon Sexual Harassment Neglect Allegation'... "Also Want Confrontation Interview with Witness" (Comprehensive)

Investigation of 20 Witnesses Regarding Sexual Harassment Neglect
Consideration of Polygraph and Confrontation Interviews
Polygraph Only for Witnesses
Some Witnesses Agree to Confrontation Interviews

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The police investigating the allegations of neglect in the sexual harassment case involving the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon are considering conducting a confrontation investigation and using a lie detector test as testimonies from the victim and Seoul city officials have conflicted. The victim's side has expressed willingness to actively cooperate with such investigative methods and is confident in proving the charges, having already submitted sufficient evidence.

A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official stated on the 4th, "So far, we have been investigating 20 witnesses related to the neglect of sexual harassment by former Mayor Park," adding, "Since there are discrepancies between some victims' and witnesses' statements, we are considering confrontation investigations and the use of lie detectors."

The police official explained, "Regarding the lie detector test, with consent, it will be conducted on parts where the victim's and witnesses' testimonies differ, and at this stage, only witnesses are subject to it," adding, "Some witnesses have expressed willingness to undergo confrontation investigations, but not all who wish to participate will be investigated; we will selectively proceed if it is meaningful for the investigation." He also said, "We have confirmed that the victim is willing to undergo confrontation questioning," but noted, "The victim is in a very difficult and exhausted state, so we are coordinating with experts to determine whether it is acceptable from the victim's perspective."

The police are conducting witness investigations on current and former Seoul city officials suspected of neglecting the sexual harassment by former Mayor Park. During this process, witnesses reportedly denied recalling any requests from the victim for department transfers and stated that the personnel office first recommended transfers to other departments, actively refuting the allegations.

The police have also received and are reviewing evidence showing that former Mayor Park was repeatedly informed about personnel transfers involving three individuals, including the victim. The 'Review Report on Personnel of Mayor's Office Staff' prepared in November 2018 reportedly included expressions such as "(The victim) has worked as a secretary in the Mayor's Office for 3 years and 4 months" and "In this personnel move, prepare for transfer upon promotion to grade 7 and review suitable successors."

It is also reported that the victim was informed about considerations such as "If promotion is not achieved, consider transfer to a department where promotion is possible" and "Considering the need for practical department work in light of public service career and experience." These statements directly contradict the victim's claims.

Previously, at the second press conference held on the 22nd of last month, the victim's side stated, "The victim had requested transfers due to sexual harassment grievances to nearly 20 current and former secretaries over more than four years, but the work system centered on the mayor was a powerful structure that enforced silence."

Regarding this, Kim Jae-ryeon, the victim's legal representative, told reporters on her way to work that morning, "We are actively cooperating with investigative agencies," and "We have submitted all materials to prove the victim's claims."

Additionally, the police stated they would cooperate if the National Human Rights Commission, which is conducting an ex officio investigation into this case, requests assistance. A police official explained, "There has been no official cooperation request from the Human Rights Commission yet, but if the victim requests disclosure of information regarding testimonies, we will cooperate within the scope permitted by law," adding, "However, witness testimonies and other evidence are included in investigation documents, so cooperation seems difficult."

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