In the past three years, 346 police officers affiliated with the Seoul Police Agency have faced disciplinary actions for various misconducts, the highest number among police agencies across the country. Nearly half of those disciplined received severe penalties such as dismissal or termination.
On October 15, Rep. Jin Jong-o of the ruling People Power Party analyzed data on police disciplinary actions by region, which was submitted by the National Police Agency. From January 2024 to August 2026, the number of disciplined officers from the Seoul Police Agency accounted for 23.9% of the total 1,445 disciplinary actions taken against police officers nationwide.
Among those disciplined in Seoul, 171 officers, or 49.4%, received severe penalties. The breakdown of these penalties includes 14 dismissals, 47 terminations, 35 demotions, and 75 suspensions. Additionally, 175 officers faced lighter penalties such as salary reductions and reprimands.
Major types of misconduct included embezzlement, extortion, unauthorized external lectures, and sexual offenses.
Officer A was dismissed last year after it was revealed that he had illegally withdrawn funds from a departmental account from 2021 to 2024. Officer B was terminated for conspiring with an acquaintance to extort money from undocumented immigrants. Officer C was dismissed for conducting external lectures without permission and failing to report compensation.
This year has also seen a rise in disciplinary cases related to sexual offenses. Officer D was dismissed for allegedly soliciting prostitution from a minor and committing sexual assault, while Officer E was terminated for sexual assault allegations.
Rep. Jin stated, "It is fundamentally troubling that the police, who are supposed to protect the lives and property of citizens, have become involved in serious misconduct such as embezzlement, extortion, and sexual offenses. A comprehensive review of the management and oversight systems is necessary."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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