The Presidential Security Service, a South Korean close protection agency, announced today that it would proceed with disciplinary procedures according to relevant regulations. This decision reflects the investigative agency’s final judgment concerning a security service employee who has been handed over to the prosecution on charges of sexual harassment.
The Security Service regretted the situation, stating, “We are disappointed.”
Previously, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Subway Investigation Unit reportedly sent a Presidential Security Service employee to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office last week on charges of committing a lewd act in a crowded public place.
The employee is accused of inappropriately touching a woman on the subway in Seoul last April.
It is reported that he vehemently denied the charges during the police investigation.
Last month, a senior administrative officer at the presidential office was caught by police for DUI.
Kang, the senior administrative officer at the National Planning Secretary’s Office, had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) high enough to warrant license revocation.
The presidential office began disciplinary procedures without immediately removing Kang from duty. However, after media reports surfaced and criticism grew over their complacent response, they finally placed Kang on standby on July 19.
As Kang was known to be trusted by President Yoon Suk Yeol, there was controversy both inside and outside the presidential office over preferential treatment.
The presidential office said Kang would be dealt with according to legal procedures.