Current Police Officer Arrested on Suspicion of Covering Up Influencer Investigation

by Lee Jiye

Published 05 Aug.2026 22:57(KST)

"Risk of Flight and Evidence Destruction"

A current police officer, suspected of accepting money to cover up the fraud case involving influencer Yang Jeongwon, has been taken into custody.

Seoul Southern District Court. Photo by Jiye Lee

On August 5, Deputy Chief Judge Kim Jihyun, who is in charge of warrants at the Seoul Southern District Court, conducted a pretrial detention hearing (substantive warrant review) for Song, the team leader of Investigation Unit 1 at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, who is accused of bribery and other charges. The judge issued an arrest warrant, citing “risk of flight and destruction of evidence.”

Song is alleged to have received valuables from Mr. Lee, a wealthy individual who is the spouse of Ms. Yang, while serving as team leader of Investigation Unit 1 at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, in order to quash the investigation into Yang’s fraud case.

Prosecutors believe that Mr. Lee, who was acquainted with Superintendent Lee from the National Police Agency, approached Song through this connection. In July 2024, Yang, who worked as a model for a pilates academy franchise, was accused of fraud and other charges by franchisees. Subsequently, in December of the same year, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station issued a non-indictment decision, concluding that Yang was not guilty and did not refer the case for prosecution.

Previously, in April, prosecutors requested an arrest warrant for Song, but the court rejected it, stating, “There is a need to guarantee the right to defense, as there is dispute over whether the benefits or valuables constitute bribery.” Later, prosecutors secured additional evidence indicating that Song actually intervened in the investigation and re-requested an arrest warrant on July 31.