Police Panel Recommends Prosecutorial Referral for DP Lawmaker on Alleged Sexual Harassment

Seoul: A police committee recommended Thursday that Rep. Jang Kyung-tae of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) be referred to prosecutors over allegations that he sexually harassed a female aide. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's investigation deliberation committee, which includes police officers and external experts such as lawyers and university professors, made the decision. This recommendation came after the committee conducted separate interviews with Jang and the lawyer representing the accuser before reaching a conclusion through internal deliberation. Jang faces accusations of sexually harassing a female aide during a staff drinking gathering at a restaurant in October 2023. Additionally, authorities have accused him of inflicting "secondary harm," which includes exposing the victim's identity. The committee's role is to evaluate the completeness and fairness of police investigations. It has the authority to order a reinvestigation or additional inquiry if the in volved parties contest the findings. This particular session was convened at Jang's request. In January, police summoned Jang for questioning. Since then, authorities have indicated that a decision on whether to formally refer the case to prosecutors will be made soon.