Police Chief: "Regarding the Search and Seizure of the Late Park Won-soon's Mobile Phone, We Will Decide on Reapplying for a Warrant Based on the Progress of the Investigation"

One Search Warrant Executed in Investigation of Son Jung-woo Related to 'Welcome to Video'

Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency. / Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] As the police continue investigating the case related to the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, Police Commissioner General Kim Chang-ryong has left open the possibility of reapplying for a search warrant to seize mobile phones, considered the 'smoking gun' in clarifying allegations of sexual harassment.

At a press briefing with reporters on the morning of the 10th, marking his first since taking office, Commissioner Kim stated, "The search warrants for the mobile phones registered under the name of Seoul City and the personal mobile phones found at the scene of (former Mayor Park’s death) were dismissed, so we have no further access." He added, "If the investigation into aiding and abetting progresses and new facts are uncovered, we will comprehensively review the situation and decide whether to reapply."

Commissioner Kim outlined four directions for the investigation into former Mayor Park: allegations of sexual harassment, circumstances surrounding his death, suspicions of aiding and abetting by Seoul City officials, and prevention of secondary damage. He explained, "Due to legal regulations, we cannot proceed further with investigations related to the victim’s complaint." He also said, "Although forensic investigations into the death case have begun, the bereaved family filed an objection and a stay of execution, which the court accepted, so the investigation is currently suspended until a final decision is made." He added, "The future direction will be determined based on the court’s ruling."

Regarding the aiding and abetting aspect, he emphasized, "We are doing our best within the limits allowed by law." He continued, "We have investigated about 20 people and are analyzing necessary materials and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage. We will conduct a strict investigation to the fullest extent permitted by law."

The investigation is also accelerating against Son Jeong-woo (24), who operated the world’s largest dark web child sexual exploitation site 'Welcome To Video (W2V).' A police official stated, "We have conducted two interviews with the complainant (Son Jeong-woo’s father), one interview with the accused (Son Jeong-woo), and executed one search and seizure." The official added, "Given the high public interest, we will conduct a comprehensive investigation."

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