Park Sung-joo, the former head of the National Office of Investigation (NOI) at the Korean National Police Agency who has been put on trial on charges of directing shoddy investigations into the Jang Yoon-gi case, has argued that he "cannot acknowledge or accept" the charges.

In an official statement released today (Sept. 2), former Chief Park stated, "I can never acknowledge or accept the logical framework that the NOI, including myself, ordered a separate investigation to cover up the police organization's inadequate response and evade public criticism."

Park claimed, "The case records sent to prosecutors by the relevant police station clearly outlined that additional investigation was necessary, listing investigative matters regarding the motive and purpose of the crime that could not be completely proven within the detention period." He added, "I merely gave normal and routine work instructions to investigate thoroughly by function to ensure there are not a shred of suspicion surrounding the case and to maintain security."

He continued, "I express strong regret that an indictment was pushed forward despite sufficient explanations during the prosecution's investigation," and added, "I will faithfully participate in the upcoming trial procedures and prove that this was an excessive prosecution."

However, he added, "I naturally feel a heavy sense of responsibility for some inappropriate and inadequate aspects during the investigation process," and "I bow my head to offer my sincere regrets and condolences to the victims and bereaved families of the case."

The Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office indicted Park without detention today on charges including abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights.

Park is accused of instructing the Criminal Division and the Women and Youth Division to separately investigate Jang Yoon-gi's stalking and sexual assault case and a high school girl murder case last May, despite repeated suggestions from frontline investigation teams.

Prosecutors concluded that Park ordered the separation of the investigations to avoid additional criticism at a time when the police were facing backlash over their poor response to the Namyangju stalking murder case, which they believe disrupted efforts to uncover Jang's rape and murder charges.