A former Seoul Gangnam Police Station Criminal Division Chief, who spearheaded the investigation into Samsung Lions player Park Narae’s stalker case, has transitioned to a major law firm representing her defense immediately after retirement. The move has ignited concerns over potential conflicts of interest.
Timeline of the Transition
The chief retired on December 12 and quickly joined the firm, which assumed Park Narae’s legal representation shortly thereafter. During his police service, he personally rescued the athlete from perilous encounters with a persistent stalker issuing injury threats and other harms.
A law firm spokesperson stated, “The chief exercised no direct oversight on the case during his tenure, and he remains uninvolved even after joining the firm.” The firm further noted that key prior matters were already resolved based on established client directives.
Details of Park Narae’s Stalker Cases
Park Narae, a key Samsung Lions player, pursued legal action against multiple stalkers for organized crimes, special stalking damages, and threats. The complaints span eight cases across Gangnam and Yeongsan police stations.
Stalkers faced penalties for alcohol-related offenses and were known to trail Park at various establishments. One individual, dubbed a ‘fake insider,’ received a non-prosecution ruling, though injury threat claims elevated the matter to a major stalking probe.
In December, authorities announced the capture of primary suspects linked to real estate disputes, alongside special stalking damage assessments. Despite a non-prosecution disposition on December 12 due to evidentiary gaps, Gangnam police plan to prosecute based on threat analyses and victim reports.
Park Narae has voiced worries over unauthorized personal information leaks, prompting heightened scrutiny.
Legal Community Backlash
Experts highlight risks in the chief’s shift from investigator—who initially received complaints—to the victim’s legal team. Critics argue it raises ethical questions about impartiality in ongoing proceedings.
