Police open probe into sexual misconduct allegations against expelled DPK lawmaker

Rep. Park Wan-joo / Yonhap

Police have opened an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations made against Rep. Park Wan-joo, officials said Thursday, days after the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea expelled him over the matter.

The 56-year-old three-term lawmaker, who served as the DPK's top policymaker, has been accused of sexually harassing a female assistant late last year.

On Monday, the DPK kicked him out of the party in a unanimous decision at a general meeting of lawmakers and said it also plans to refer him to the National Assembly Special Ethics Committee for a potential penalty.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is currently looking into the allegations after taking over the case from Seoul's Yeongdeungpo Police Station, Tuesday, according to law enforcement officials.

The victim lodged a formal criminal complaint against Park with the Yeongdeungpo Police Station, Monday, but the case was reassigned to a more senior unit in light of its seriousness, the officials noted.

The victim reportedly filed charges of sexual harassment based on hierarchical superiority at the workplace, abuse of power and defamation. (Yonhap)

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