A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency senior official clashes with a People Power Party aide. [Captured from Rep. Shin Dong-wook's Facebook]
A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency senior official clashes with a People Power Party aide. [Captured from Rep. Shin Dong-wook's Facebook]

By Kim A-rin, The Herald Business

The acting commissioner of the Korean National Police Agency said a formal complaint has been filed and an investigation is planned into allegations that a senior Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official assaulted a People Power Party aide, pledging to "investigate in accordance with the law and principles and take whatever measures are necessary."

Acting Commissioner Yu Jae-seong made the remarks Monday at a press briefing at the Korean National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, after video of a physical confrontation between the police official and the PPP aide spread widely on social media.

The incident occurred June 16, when PPP lawmakers visited the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to protest comments made by Seoul police chief Park Jeong-bo. Park had said that participants in a rally at Olympic Park could "face ruin if found to be accomplices for supporting illegal acts." As the lawmakers confronted officers blocking access to Park's office, video captured Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency security chief Lee Gwan-hyeong using physical force against a PPP aide who was filming the scene with a mobile phone.

The civic group Seominsaengdaechaekwiwonhoe filed a complaint against Park and Lee on June 17 on charges including assault by a public official and intimidation. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it had separately launched an internal fact-finding inquiry.

PPP floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik called for Lee's dismissal, saying the security chief "committed assault by twisting the aide's arm and grabbing the back of their neck."

Police, however, said one of their own officers was injured and is receiving treatment after the standoff with the PPP delegation.


arin@heraldcorp.com