Former detective division chief of the Gwangsan Police Station, identified only as Inspector A, leaves the Gwangju District Court in Dong-gu, Gwangju, on July 31 after a pretrial detention hearing. He is suspected of ordering investigators to handle the murder and sex crime charges in the Jang Yun-gi case as separate investigations. [Yonhap]
Former detective division chief of the Gwangsan Police Station, identified only as Inspector A, leaves the Gwangju District Court in Dong-gu, Gwangju, on July 31 after a pretrial detention hearing. He is suspected of ordering investigators to handle the murder and sex crime charges in the Jang Yun-gi case as separate investigations. [Yonhap]

South Korean police have launched internal disciplinary proceedings against officers who destroyed evidence to shield their children from criminal charges, as a series of such cases has come to light.

Korean National Police Agency acting chief Yoo Jae-seong said at a regular press briefing Wednesday that authorities are reviewing disciplinary measures against the father of Jang Yun-gi. "We are considering disciplinary action against Jang's father based on the investigation findings," Yoo said, adding that the agency also plans to pursue discipline against others connected to the case, including members of the investigative team.

Jang's father, Inspector Jang, is believed to have dismantled and discarded a life-size sex doll found in his son's rented room three days after the incident, on May 8. He is also suspected of burning his son's old mobile phone and other belongings when he relocated to an undisclosed location in South Jeolla Province after Jang Yun-gi's identity was made public.

Four officers connected to the Jang Yun-gi case are currently on standby orders and three others have been relieved of their duties. Yoo said the final number of those subject to discipline "will be determined later, as disciplinary decisions can only be made once the investigation is complete."

Inspector Jang was exempted from criminal prosecution, drawing attention to how severe the internal disciplinary penalties would be. While Article 155 of the Criminal Act mandates punishment for destroying evidence in another person's criminal case, it includes a special exemption for family members who commit such acts on behalf of a relative.

In a similar case, a senior inspector at a police substation in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, identified only as Inspector A, was cleared of charges Thursday after being investigated for destroying his son's mobile phone, which contained evidence of an attempted illegal filming of a teacher. The inspector had claimed he smashed and discarded the phone in anger after learning his son had tried to secretly film the teacher.

Regarding Inspector A, acting chief Yoo said the officer had been transferred to another station and would be referred to a disciplinary committee, as "inappropriate conduct, including a violation of the duty to maintain professional dignity, was confirmed."

Police said they will make a final determination on the scope and severity of disciplinary action against the officers involved once the investigations are concluded.


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