A former senior police officer who oversaw the investigation into South Korean broadcaster Park Na-rae has joined the law firm representing her after his retirement, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
According to local media reports, the former chief of the criminal division at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station recently accepted a position at Park’s legal counsel after leaving the police force.
The officer led the criminal investigations unit at the Gangnam Police Station until last year. His division had been handling multiple allegations against Park since December, including claims of assault involving a former manager and alleged violations of medical law.
The move has sparked controversy due to the officer’s previous leadership role at the unit responsible for investigating Park. The former officer said in a media interview that he was not personally involved in her case. However, legal experts said the hiring could raise concerns about investigative impartiality and public trust.
Under South Korea’s Public Officials Ethics Act, retired public officials are generally subject to employment review if they seek to join organizations closely related to their former duties. However, those with law licenses are exempt from such review when joining law firms.
Park had been scheduled to appear for questioning at the Gangnam Police Station on Feb. 12 as a suspect but postponed her appearance. Her representatives cited health reasons and concerns about large crowds at the police station.
Authorities are currently handling eight complaints related to Park, including allegations filed by former managers accusing her of workplace harassment, aggravated assault, proxy medical prescriptions, and unpaid expenses.
Park was formally accused in December of aggravated assault, defamation, and violating the Information and Communications Network Act. She has also faced public criticism over allegations of illegal medical procedures.
Park has suspended most entertainment activities amid the ongoing investigations, except for the release of the pre-recorded Disney+ show Fate War 49.
Reported by Herald Muse Staff Writer Kim Na-yul
Reviewed and edited by Herald Muse Team Leader Kim Hae-yeon
nayul@heraldcorp.com
