South Korean Police Form Task Force After Allegations of Evidence Tampering in Murder Case

The Korean National Police Agency announced July 9 it will launch a task force to review past investigations and overhaul procedures at police stations nationwide. The move comes after multiple officers were suspected of leaking investigative information and destroying evidence in the case of 23-year-old Jang Yoon-gi.

Jang is accused of murdering a 17-year-old female student and attempting to murder a 17-year-old male student in Gwangju in May.

Yonhap reported that the agency has already formed a special investigation team to examine officers' alleged misconduct in that case. The task force will be chaired by a prominent external figure, with the majority of members drawn from outside experts, the agency said.

Separately, the KNPA will establish an internal corruption investigation unit that reports directly to the head of the National Investigation Headquarters.

Acting Commissioner Yoo Jae-seong will hold a virtual leadership conference on July 10 to address the reforms upon his return from a six-day official visit to the United States. The agency stated that Yoo plans to demonstrate leadership's commitment to reform and seek cooperation from officers.

A former leader of the investigative team that handled the Jang case appeared at Gwangju District Court on July 8 for an arrest warrant hearing on charges of destroying evidence.