Exclusive: 'King of Geoje' Faces Formal Investigation, Two Close Aides Placed on Leave

[Anchor]

Police are currently conducting an internal inspection into allegations of sexual misconduct by a veteran police inspector in his 50s who has worked near Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, for over 30 years. It has been confirmed that authorities plan to launch a formal investigation soon. Two close police aides, who were allegedly caught participating in the sexual harassment of junior female police officers, have also been placed on leave.

This is an exclusive report by Bae Seong-jae.

[Reporter]

According to SBS reporting, the National Police Agency's inspection team has established an internal policy to request a formal investigation into allegations that Superintendent A, widely dubbed the "King of Geoje," sexually harassed junior female police officers.

Authorities concluded that an inspection alone was insufficient to uncover the facts and that a coercive investigation is necessary.

A police official explained that they also took into consideration how victims felt hesitant to provide statements due to Superintendent A's local influence.

It is reported that authorities are reviewing a plan to initiate the investigation as early as this week through a regional police agency outside the Geoje area, such as Gyeongsangnam-do or Busan.

The inspection team, which began on-site investigations early this month, has identified around 10 female police victims and views Superintendent A's sexual misconduct as having been systematically committed over the past several years.

[Local Police Official : He was someone who casually touched female police officers, hugging them or trying to kiss them.]

As a result of the inspection, police recently placed two close police aides of Superintendent A on leave after confirming circumstances indicating their involvement in the sexual misconduct.

They hold the ranks of superintendent and inspector at the Geoje Police Station, and they are reportedly confirmed to have invited junior female police officers to drinking gatherings where they partook in sexual harassment alongside Superintendent A.

Superintendent A, who is currently on sick leave, submitted a resignation letter through his wife last weekend. However, the National Police Agency reaffirmed its stance that it will not accept the resignation until the truth-finding process is complete.

As various allegations of misconduct by Superintendent A have reportedly already been confirmed through high-intensity inspections, the impending police investigation is expected to create considerable fallout.

(Camera & Video Reporting: Park Hyun-chul, Video Editing: Ahn Yeo-jin)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.