Controversy Arises as Former Police Chief Joins Law Firm Representing TV Personality Park Na-rae

A former police chief from Seoul's Gangnam Police Station, who was involved in the investigation of TV personality Park Na-rae for alleged assault and medical law violations, has sparked controversy by joining the law firm representing her after his retirement.

According to the Chosun Ilbo on the 19th, A, who served as the chief of the criminal division at Gangnam Police Station since December last year, retired last month and joined the large law firm representing Park Na-rae earlier this month.

A clarified to the Chosun Ilbo, "I did not specifically direct the investigation into Park Na-rae's case during my tenure as chief, and I have not been involved in the case since joining the law firm." A representative from the law firm also stated, "A had already interviewed and was set to join the firm nine days before Park Na-rae's case was filed with the Gangnam Police Station."

Under the current Public Service Ethics Act, retired public officials must undergo employment screening if they seek positions closely related to their previous department. However, those with a lawyer's license, like A, may be exempt from this requirement. Legal experts have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given A's prior knowledge of the investigation's details and direction.

Meanwhile, Park Na-rae has been embroiled in legal disputes with her former managers since December last year. She was scheduled to appear for police questioning on the 12th but requested a postponement due to health issues. The Gangnam Police Station plans to summon Park Na-rae for questioning on charges of special assault and medical law violations shortly after the Lunar New Year holiday.

Lee Soo-min, TenAsia Reporter danbilee19@tenasia.co.kr