![Yu Jae-seong, acting commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/08/19/rcv.YNA.20260811.PYH2026081106370001300_P1.jpg)
A female police officer who reported sexual harassment within the force, along with colleagues who corroborated her account, were subsequently hit with criminal complaints filed by the superior she had accused — a case that has drawn fresh attention to secondary victimization against those who report sexual misconduct inside the police.
According to police, officer A filed a complaint with the Korean National Police Agency last September alleging that her direct superior, Inspector B, had sexually harassed her and subjected her to workplace bullying. She said Inspector B made remarks to her including, "Your waist is full-figured. Women should have large chests."
Following the complaint, Inspector B was transferred to a different post in October of that year. Officer A said she subsequently suffered secondary harm, including rumors that she had been the one to make advances toward Inspector B.
In early December of last year, Inspector B filed criminal complaints against officer A and two colleagues, alleging they had improperly claimed overtime pay. The three were officers who had either reported Inspector B's harassment or provided testimony about the circumstances. Officer A and one colleague were referred to prosecutors.
The Korean National Police Agency said it would examine whether the series of actions taken after the harassment complaint complied with whistleblower protection rules.
Acting Commissioner General Yu Jae-seong, speaking at a regular press briefing Wednesday morning at the agency's headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, said the agency would "look into whether there are any violations of the Gender Equality Act or whistleblower protection regulations, and if problems are found, we will address them."
A police official, commenting on Inspector B's criminal complaints, said the agency could not determine whether they were intended to pressure the reporting officers. The official added that "because the complaints were filed, we had to verify the facts, which is why we investigated and took action."
Under the current Act on the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence, "secondary victimization" is broadly defined to cover not only the psychological, physical and financial harm a victim suffers during the handling and recovery process, but also any disadvantage incurred as a result of reporting the incident.
A survey on sexual violence safety conditions conducted last year, cited by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, found that policies to prevent secondary victimization were most frequently named as the top priority needed to address sexual violence.
kido@heraldcorp.com
