Former Gangnam police chief joins law firm representing Park Na Rae; sparks controversy

Park Na Rae case update

• Officer overseeing Park Na Rae's case joins her law firm
• Ethics and public trust concerns arise from the move
• Retired officers joining law firms is rising in South Korea

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A fresh wave of controversy has emerged after it was revealed that the senior police officer who once oversaw the investigation into comedian Park Na Rae has since joined the law firm now defending her.

On 19 February KST, reports confirmed that Mr. A, formerly head of the Criminal Division at Gangnam Police Station, retired from the force last month. Within weeks, he had taken up a new position at a major law firm currently representing Park Na Rae.

The timing of the move has raised eyebrows and prompted questions about the closeness between public office and private practice.

The Criminal Division at Gangnam Police Station began investigating Park Na Rae in December last year after complaints were filed against her on allegations including special assault.

As division chief, Mr. A would have been the senior officer receiving updates on the case and monitoring its overall progress. Although he was not necessarily leading day-to-day questioning, his role placed him at the centre of developments.

The situation has sparked debate not only because of appearances, but because of public trust. When a senior officer involved in an investigation later joins the legal team defending the same individual, it inevitably invites scrutiny.

For many observers, the concern is less about proven wrongdoing and more about whether such moves undermine confidence in the fairness of the system.

Responding to the criticism, Mr. A stated, “I did not provide specific investigative direction regarding the Park Na Rae case during my time as Criminal Division chief, and I have not been involved in the case since joining the law firm.” A representative from the firm also stated, “Mr. A had already interviewed and secured the position nine days before the Park Na Rae case was filed with the Gangnam Police Station.”

Even so, some within legal circles argue that senior officials are often aware of investigative strategies and sensitive information simply by virtue of their position. Whether or not Mr. A directly intervened, critics suggest the optics remain troubling.

Under the Public Service Ethics Act, former public officials are generally required to undergo a review before accepting roles closely linked to their previous departments. However, lawyers holding a valid legal licence may be exempt from that process.

Also Read: Park Na Rae announces indefinite hiatus amid abuse allegations, legal disputes, and medical law violations

The case comes amid a wider shift in South Korea’s legal landscape. Since reforms in 2021 granted police greater authority to close investigations, more retired officers have moved into private law firms.

Applications from former police officers rose from 10 in 2020 to 36 last year — a sharp increase that continues to fuel discussion about ethics, transparency and the revolving door between law enforcement and legal defence.