Two police officers in southern Seoul have been caught demanding entertainment from a misdemeanor offender in return for dropping the charge of insulting them at a police station.
Gangnam police said Tuesday that a 46-year-old sergeant, Lee, and another officer at a police station in their jurisdiction have been under investigation on charges of demanding entertainment from a 52-year-old self-employed man, identified by his family name Jang.
The two police officers reportedly demanded additional entertainment at a hostess bar, after forcing Jang to pay hundreds of thousands of won for meals they had with him at a fancy restaurant in Gangnam on Sept. 10.
They brought Jang to Gangnam Police Station two days earlier for causing a disturbances and swearing at them in their station. He returned home after being questioned until 1:00 p.m.
“While handing me over to the police station, they forced me to admit the charge as they said that there would be no problem if they drop the charge within two or three days. Insult is same with the crime subject to victim’s complaints,” Jang was quoted as saying. “They requested we talk over a meal.”
“During the dinner with alcoholic beverage on Sept. 10, they demanded additional entertainment at a hostess bar. However, I rejected their offer out of embarrassment.
Actually, the police officers sent text messages demanding the entertainment to Jang on Sept. 9. On the appointment day, they were reported to have sent text messages such as, “I’ll be late than the time appointed due to an emergency alert” or “Wait a little.”