Gwangju Police Agency Launches Internal Investigation into 'Police Officer Absence' in Drunken Assault Incident

The Officer in Question Explained, "I Actively Tried to Stop It and Then Went Home"

CCTV footage capturing the assault scene. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] After a controversy arose that a police officer ignored a 40-year-old woman being assaulted at a bar in Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, the police have launched an internal investigation.

Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 15th that it has begun an internal investigation into Inspector A of the Dongbu Police Station.

Inspector A is suspected of leaving the scene after a wealthy individual assaulted a 40-year-old woman who was attending a drinking party at a pub in Dong-gu on the 12th.

The drinking party included five people: a wealthy construction businessman, a former special aide to a member of the National Assembly turned entrepreneur, Inspector A, the victim woman, and others.

The victim claimed that she was shocked by the sudden assault and tried to report it by phone but was subjected to a second assault.

Despite the occurrence of such an incident, Inspector A is suspected of failing to take appropriate action despite being a police officer.

In response, Inspector A explained, "Since I was not acquainted with the victim woman, I could not recklessly touch her body. I pushed the (assailant) outside and even restrained him from coming back inside to the point that my neck and shoulders were bruised," adding, "Who would be a police officer not trying to stop it in that situation? I confirmed that the report was made and told the party that staff would arrive soon, then went home."

He further added, "I will sincerely cooperate with the upcoming internal investigation."

The Gwangju Police Agency is expected to verify whether Inspector A's conduct damaged the dignity of a public official and whether his behavior was appropriate.

The police plan to conduct an on-site and situational investigation soon, followed by statement hearings with witnesses and Inspector A.

If any illegal acts are revealed during this process, the case will be referred to the disciplinary committee within the police agency.

Disciplinary actions for police officers include dismissal, removal, demotion, suspension, pay reduction, and reprimand.

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