Police Investigation Review Committee Acknowledges Jang Kyung-tae's 'Quasi-Coercive Molestation' Charges… 'Must Be Sent to Prosecutors'
The Police Investigation Review Committee in South Korea has determined that the allegations of sexual molestation against Democratic Party member Jang Kyung-tae are valid and recommended sending the case to prosecutors.
On the afternoon of the 19th, the Police Investigation Review Committee (Susa Shimiwi), during a four-hour session, announced its findings regarding the allegations of quasi-coercive molestation against Jang Kyung-tae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea. They concluded that the allegations warranted being sent to the prosecutors, even though the committee's recommendations do not have legal binding force. Typically, the police tend to respect the committee's opinions when deciding how to handle such cases. They have also suggested carrying out supplementary investigations related to accusations of secondary harm under the Special Act on Sexual Violence, before a formal referral.
The review committee plays a crucial role in overseeing police investigations, with its members including internal police officials as well as external experts like professors and lawyers. Although the review confirmed the necessity of sending the case to prosecutors, the investigation results concerning Jang Kyung-tae have not yet been disclosed. The investigation was prompted by Jang's request for a review of the procedure's appropriateness, claiming that questioning the credibility of the accuser involved in the case was necessary, which was met with resistance from the accuser's side, asserting this was an attempt to undermine the investigation.
During the proceedings, both Jang Kyung-tae and his accuser’s legal representatives were present, each advocating for either exoneration or conviction, respectively. After the review, Jang expressed confidence in his innocence, asserting that there was no evidence against him and that he would be vindicated. Previously, he had been accused of sexually molesting his accuser during a dinner gathering in October 2024. Jang has firmly denied the accusations and has counterclaimed against his accuser for false accusations, while also pursuing charges against a male witness who recorded the incident for false accusations, assault, and violations of privacy laws.