Police Inspector Park (57) of the Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station, who was referred to the prosecution under arrest for various investigative misconduct charges during the handling of the 'Jang Yoon-gi (23) case,' has expressed his apologies to the bereaved family.
Park, who served as the lead investigator for the Jang Yoon-gi case, stated through his legal representative today (July 16), "I am sorry to the victim and the bereaved family for failing to actively apply charges of rape and murder to the heinous criminal Jang Yoon-gi," adding, "I believe the criticism and rebuke regarding a botched investigation are entirely self-inflicted."
He continued, "I was afraid of being disciplined or not being able to retire honorably," and admitted, "Even after sending Jang Yoon-gi to the prosecution, I could have submitted the omitted materials, but I missed that opportunity."
He further explained, "As the team leader, I acknowledge the shortcomings in the investigation process, and I am currently spending my time in reflection and regret," while clarifying, "However, the entire investigation team sought to uncover the substantive truth and punish Jang Yoon-gi; there was never any intention to go easy on him."
Regarding whether there was any instruction or intervention from superiors during the investigation, his legal representative stated, "That is a matter to be clarified through the future investigation process."
He emphasized, "I will faithfully explain during the prosecution's investigation and the trial process that the poorly conducted investigation was not an intentional crime," adding, "I want to apologize to the bereaved family once again."
The special investigation team for the 'Jang Yoon-gi Case Truth-Finding' under the National Office of Investigation of the National Police Agency, which re-investigated the case after allegations of investigative misconduct were raised, announced its interim findings yesterday and referred Park to the prosecution under arrest on charges of concealing evidence, dereliction of duty, and abuse of power.
Park is accused of failing to secure key evidence despite being aware of its existence during the investigation and instructing his team members not to link Jang Yoon-gi's crime to the possibility of a sexual motive.
(Photo: Yonhap News)