Politics · South Korea · 3 hrs ago
Misconduct cases mount among South Korea's Chungbuk police
Chungbuk police in South Korea face mounting misconduct cases, including drink-driving, abuse of authority, sexual misconduct and neglect of duty.
The agency recorded 16 disciplinary cases through October, compared with 18 last year and 20 in 2024, and more cases may still be processed.
On October 19, an officer with a blood alcohol level of 0.093% allegedly hit two parked cars while driving.
The incident came the day before a parliamentary audit of the agency and during a period when police had been told to reinforce professional conduct.
Other cases have led to suspensions or demotions, while some allegations remain under investigation.
The cases raise concerns about police accountability and the agency’s ability to address misconduct within its ranks.
Chungbuk police say they will increase inspections and prevention training and take strict action against violations.
South Korea’s Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency recorded 16 disciplinary cases among officers by October 2026, after 20 in 2024 and 18 in 2025.
The cases include drunk driving, alleged workplace abuse, sexual misconduct and neglect of duty.
One officer was booked after allegedly driving drunk and hitting two parked cars on October 19, the day before a parliamentary audit of the agency.
Several officers have received disciplinary measures, while other allegations remain under review.
A civic group called for stricter discipline, and the agency said it would strengthen inspections and preventive training.
- Who
- Officers with the Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency and police stations in the province.
- What
- The agency is facing a series of misconduct cases, including drunk driving, alleged workplace abuse, sexual misconduct and neglect of duty.
- When
- The reported cases span 2026, with disciplinary cases counted through October 25.
- Where
- Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea, including Cheongju.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Chungbuk police recorded 20 disciplinary cases among officers.
The number of disciplinary cases fell to 18.
An officer allegedly drove drunk and hit seven parked cars and a motorcycle in Cheongju; the officer was demoted in mid-October.
Two Chungbuk police officers received three-month suspensions for drunk driving.
An officer allegedly drove with a blood-alcohol level of 0.093% and hit two parked cars.
Yonhap reported that 16 disciplinary cases had been recorded so far that year.
- Disciplinary cases in 2024
- 20
- Disciplinary cases in 2025
- 18
- Disciplinary cases through October 2026
- 16
- October 19 incident
- Blood-alcohol level of 0.093%; two parked cars hit
- March incident
- Blood-alcohol level of 0.124%; seven parked cars and one motorcycle hit
1 source
What people are saying
Even during a period when strengthening public-service discipline is being emphasized, drunk-driving misconduct has occurred, and even within the police there is talk that discipline has seriously weakened.
Police officers are expected to meet higher standards of morality and responsibility than ordinary people, so misconduct by officers must be met with stricter discipline and punishment.
We will further strengthen inspections of service discipline and preventive education, and take firm action against misconduct to prevent similar cases from happening again.