[Anchor]
A police official, widely referred to as the "King of Geoje" and facing allegations of sexual misconduct and power abuse, underwent his first face-to-face interrogation by the National Police Agency's inspection team today (August 14). When meeting our reporting team, the official denied all related allegations.
This is an exclusive report by reporter Cho Min-ki.
[Reporter]
Superintendent A, dubbed the "King of Geoje," enters the National Police Agency compound wearing a black mask.
Upon his first appearance for the inspection and meeting SBS reporters, Superintendent A flatly denied allegations including personnel favoritism.
[Superintendent A: (Is it true that you received money and promoted certain staff members?) No. (Are you denying the allegations?) It is not true.]
This face-to-face interrogation is the first of its kind in about 40 days since high-intensity inspections began in late June.
Superintendent A has served in Gyeongsangnam-do regions, including the Geoje Police Station, for over 30 years and faces allegations of improperly intervening in personnel assignments for himself and associates, as well as committing sexual misconduct against subordinate female police officers.
Previously, the National Police Agency inspection team traveled to Geoje to verify facts regarding various allegations from staff members who worked alongside Superintendent A.
Today's interrogation reportedly focused on verifying facts surrounding the remaining allegations, excluding the sexual misconduct allegations for which the Daejeon Police Agency has launched a formal investigation.
A police official stated, "Because there is a vast amount of material to investigate, we may summon Superintendent A for additional questioning."
It was also revealed that Superintendent A re-joined Telegram on his account last week ahead of today's initial face-to-face interrogation.
This has raised suspicions that he may have deleted Telegram chat histories or even replaced his mobile phone entirely.
Police additionally placed two inspectors belonging to the Geoje Police Station on standby today, as they are suspected of aiding the alleged sexual harassment of junior female officers.
They are accused of repeatedly calling junior female officers to drinking gatherings attended by Superintendent A. Including these two individuals and Superintendent A himself, a total of five people have now been placed on standby status over the "Geoje King" allegations.
(Photo: Kim Se-kyung | Video Editing: Shin Se-eun | Graphics: Jang Seong-beom)
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