Acting police chief apologizes as Gwangju murder case controversy continues

The acting national police chief apologized Friday for the growing controversy over the alleged leak of investigative information and possible destruction of evidence in a high-profile murder case by police investigators themselves.

Acting National Police Agency Commissioner Yoo Jae-seong made the apology at Incheon International Airport immediately after returning home from the United States, where he attended the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit. The acting head of the national police agency cut short his U.S. trip that was originally scheduled to end Saturday.

"I am very sorry for causing concern to the public," he told reporters, noting that he was aware of the gravity of the issue.

Allegations have recently intensified over possible ties between local investigators and the father of the suspect in the case, accused of killing a 17-year-old female student and attempting to murder a 17-year-old male student in the southwestern city of Gwangju in May.

The suspect's father serves as a police officer in the city.

Multiple police officers at Gwangju's Gwangsan Police Station have come under investigation on suspicion of leaking investigative information and destroying evidence related to the case.

Yonhap