Seoul Police Chief Demands Appearance of Wife of Belgian Ambassador to Korea Over Staff Assault Allegation

Jang Ha-yeon, Chief of Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The police plan to summon and directly investigate the wife of the Belgian ambassador to Korea, who has recently become a social controversy due to an assault incident involving a clothing store employee. It is still uncertain whether she will appear.

On the 26th, Jang Ha-yeon, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said at a press briefing, "We have secured the victim's testimony and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, and have registered the subject as a suspect and are investigating," adding, "We judged that her appearance is necessary to verify the facts and are continuously requesting her appearance through relevant agencies."

Regarding the police's request, the Belgian Embassy in Korea has not yet provided a clear response. Commissioner Jang explained, "We sent an official letter through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy," and added, "There is a standard procedure for crimes committed by foreign diplomatic personnel in Korea, and we are proceeding with the related procedures accordingly."

The Belgian Embassy in Korea posted a press release on social media on the 22nd, stating, "The Belgian ambassador to Korea expresses deep regret regarding the incident involving his wife that occurred on April 9th, and on behalf of his wife, apologizes to the victim," and added, "Under no circumstances can the actions of his wife be tolerated."

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is also investigating the case in which Namyang Dairy Products was reported by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety after announcing that its product 'Bulgari' is effective in suppressing the COVID-19 virus. Commissioner Jang said, "The Financial Crime Investigation Unit will take over the matter and proceed with the investigation," and added, "We are at the stage of starting the investigation since last week."

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