Prosecutors seek disciplinary action against Park Sang-yong over alleged coercion of confession and procedural violations

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\r\n[The Financial News] The Supreme Prosecutors' Office of the Republic of Korea (SPO) has requested disciplinary action against Park Sang-yong, a deputy chief prosecutor at the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office, who was accused of pressuring testimony in the so-called 'salmon drinking party' case. The SPO said it found evidence of coercing a confession, violating investigative procedures, and providing inappropriate favors, rather than the alleged introduction of alcohol itself.
According to the legal community on the 13th, the SPO said the previous day that, after deliberation by its inspection committee, it had decided to request disciplinary action from the Ministry of Justice, concluding that Park had violated rules on investigative procedures.
The SPO cited three issues in particular. First, Park allegedly induced a confession from the suspect side through defense counsel by referring to another case investigation. It also said he failed to prepare a 'confirmation of the investigative process' after summoning and questioning a detainee, and that he provided food and visitation convenience without justifiable reason. These were also included as grounds for discipline.
However, the SPO did not seek disciplinary action over the failure to prevent alcohol from being brought in and served due to lax management, or over the unnecessary repeated summoning of a witness, respecting the inspection committee's decision.
Earlier, the SPO held an inspection committee meeting on the 11th to discuss whether Park should be disciplined. The review covered allegations including alcohol being brought into the interrogation room, references in a transcript, repeated summons, incomplete paperwork, and eating outside food.
Park appeared in person at the SPO that day and explained his position to the inspection committee. Afterward, he told reporters, "They told me all of the initial allegations today," adding, "There were many parts of the allegations that were not true, so I explained the details."
The Ministry of Justice is expected to convene an inspection committee to review the level of discipline in response to the SPO's request. Prosecutor discipline is divided into five levels: reprimand, salary reduction, suspension, dismissal, and removal.
 
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scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter