Tens of Millions of Won to Get Promoted? Police Investigate Personnel Corruption Involving 'Geoje King'

[Anchor]

We have been bringing you consecutive reports on various allegations surrounding a senior police officer known as the "Geoje King." Following allegations of sexual misconduct, the police have now launched a formal investigation into suspicions that the "Geoje King" interfered in various personnel appointments. At least five police officers have been identified as involved.

This is an exclusive report by Reporter Bae Seong-jae.

[Reporter]

According to SBS reporting, the National Police Agency's inspection team recently requested a formal investigation into allegations of personnel corruption involving Senior Inspector A, dubbed the "Geoje King."

The Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency's Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit has taken on the case and officially begun its investigation last week by contacting relevant individuals on-site in Geoje.

The investigation team plans to first clarify allegations that Senior Inspector A interfered in the personnel assignments of other police officers within the Geoje Police Station.

The allegations suggest that he was involved in the promotions of certain staff members and received money and valuables in return. It is known that a covert "fixed-price system" based on police ranks was even rumored locally at the time.

[Local Police Official: If you wanted to get promoted to senior inspector, it was 50 million won; an inspector was about 20 million won; a senior patrol officer 10 million; usually from police officer to senior police officer 3 million; and from senior police officer to sergeant 5 million....]

It has been confirmed that there are at least five police officers under investigation, including Senior Inspector A.

On the 14th, Senior Inspector A appeared before the National Police Agency's inspection investigation regarding various allegations, including personnel corruption, and answered reporters' questions asking about suspicions of selling and buying government positions as follows:

[Senior Inspector A: (Is it true that you received money and promoted some staff members?) No. (Are you denying the allegations?) It is not true.]

Following the sexual misconduct allegations that are already under investigation, the expansion of the personnel corruption case into a compulsory investigation is expected to broaden the overall police probe surrounding Senior Inspector A.

In particular, the police plan to uncover the full picture through upcoming additional investigations into allegations that Senior Inspector A mobilized the influence of so-called "higher-ups" during his own personnel evaluation and promotion process.

(Video Editing: Ahn Yeo-jin)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.