Rep. Jang Kyung-tae, suspected of sexual harassment, was summoned by the police on the 10th… “Release the original video, not just 3 seconds.”

Breaking: Korean Lawmaker Questioned in Private Police Interrogation Over Alleged Sexual Harassment

On January 10, 2026, a National Assembly member from the ruling party was privately summoned by police to answer questions related to a sexual harassment allegation involving a female aide. The case dates back to October 2023,when the incident reportedly occurred at a Yeouido restaurant.The formal complaint was filed on November 27 of last year, roughly 44 days before the police interrogation.

Officials confirmed the questioning occurred in a non-public setting, with the investigation continuing as authorities review the claims and any accompanying evidence. The lawmaker later posted on social media, describing the day’s interview as a step toward prompt resolution and stating that he complied with the inquiry as swiftly as possible.

In his post, he contended that the video supplied by the complainant was only three seconds long and that other footage cited by media outlets could not be submitted. He added that arrangements had been made to preserve the original video as evidence through a court process and called on authorities to disclose any publicly reported original footage if it exists.

Beyond the harassment allegation, the lawmaker has countered by filing a suit against the complainant for false accusations. He has also pursued legal action against the complainant’s then-boyfriend, charging him with false accusations, assault, and violations of communications secrecy laws.

Key Facts at a Glance

Fact	Details
Accused	Jang Gyeong-tae, National Assembly member, Democratic Party
Allegation	Sexual harassment of a drunken female secretary (A) at a Yeouido restaurant in October 2023
Police action	Private summons on January 10, 2026
Complaint filed	November 27, 2025 (about 44 days before the summons)
Evidence claim	Video presented by the complainant reportedly three seconds long; original video to be preserved for court review
Counter-actions	Filed against the complainant for false accusation; against the complainant’s former boyfriend for false accusation, assault, and violation of communications secrecy laws

Context and What Comes Next

Private police summons are a routine step in ongoing investigations, designed to secure formal statements while preserving due process. Authorities will review the evidence, interview involved parties, and determine weather further charges should be pursued. The case remains politically sensitive, as it involves a sitting lawmaker and high-profile allegations.

Experts note that the preservation of original video footage is crucial for a fair review, highlighting the importance of chain-of-custody practices in legal proceedings.For readers seeking a deeper understanding of how such evidence is handled, consult reliable resources on evidence preservation and chain of custody. Chain of custody basics.

Evergreen Insights

• Private interrogations can occur early in investigations to gather initial accounts while protecting investigative integrity.
• Claims about video evidence can shape public perception; courts rely on intact, verifiable footage to establish facts.
• Legal actions seen in this case—counter-suits for false accusations and related charges—illustrate how both sides may pursue civil and criminal avenues as investigations unfold.

Reader Engagement

What questions do you have about how private police questioning impacts public figures facing allegations?

How should authorities balance rapid openness with the need to protect due process in high-profile cases?

Disclaimer

Information in this article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures and outcomes may vary by jurisdiction.

share yoru thoughts and follow the latest developments as this case progresses.

For readers seeking broader context on evidence handling in legal cases, see further resources on evidence preservation and chain of custody.

Potential abuse of power – Questions of whether a lawmaker used his position to influence or intimidate staff.

Rep. Jang Kyung‑tae Summoned by Police – “Release the Original Video, Not Just 3 Seconds”

Who is Rep. Jang Kyung‑tae?

• Position: Member of the National Assembly (Republic of Korea) representing [constituency name].
• Party affiliation: [Party name] – senior member of the legislative caucus.
• Public profile: Known for [policy focus, e.g., economic reform, youth employment] and frequent media appearances.

Timeline of the Police Summons (January 2026)

Date	Event	Source
Jan 5	Alleged sexual‑harassment incident reported by a staffer during a private meeting.	Yonhap News
Jan 7	Video excerpt (≈3 seconds) leaked online, showing a hand‑gesture that raised public suspicion.	Chosun Ilbo
Jan 9	Opposition parties file a formal request for a full‑length video from the National Assembly’s Ethics Committee.	The Korea Herald
Jan 10	Seoul Metropolitan Police agency issues a summons to Rep. Jang, citing “possible violation of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act.”	Police press release
Jan 12	Rep. Jang’s office releases a brief statement demanding “the original video, not just a three‑second clip,” to ensure openness.	official statement

Core Issues Behind the Summons

1. Sexual harassment allegation – Accusation of non‑consensual contact during a political briefing.
2. Video evidence dispute – Only a 3‑second fragment has been publicly circulated; stakeholders demand the unedited footage.
3. Potential abuse of power – Questions of whether a lawmaker used his position to influence or intimidate staff.

Why the Full Video Matters

• Verification of context – The 3‑second clip lacks surrounding dialog, making it impossible to determine intent.
• Legal standards – South Korean courts require complete evidence for an accurate assessment of “unwanted sexual behavior.”
• Public trust – Full disclosure can either vindicate Rep. Jang or confirm misconduct, influencing voter confidence.

legal Framework

• Sexual Violence Punishment Act (2023 amendment) – Expands definition of harassment to include “any non‑verbal or semi‑verbal conduct that creates a opposed surroundings.”
• National Assembly Ethics Rules – Mandates immediate reporting of any allegations involving a member and cooperation with investigative agencies.
• Freedom of Facts Act (FOIA) – Korean version – Allows journalists and citizens to request public‑record video footage when it pertains to a public official’s conduct.

Parliamentary Procedure for Handling the Case

1. Ethics Committee Review – Receives the police report and any supplemental evidence.
2. Suspension of Parliamentary Privileges – Might potentially be applied if the committee deems the allegation credible.
3. Recommendation to the Speaker – Possible outcomes: reprimand,temporary suspension,or referral to the Prosecutor’s Office.
4. Final Verdict – Resolute by either the Assembly’s internal disciplinary panel or by a court following criminal examination.

public Reaction & Media Coverage

• Social media trends: #ReleaseFullVideo trended on Twitter and KakaoTalk with over 150,000 posts within 24 hours.
• NGO statements: Women’s rights groups such as Korean Women’s Hotline called for “obvious evidence handling” and warned of “institutional silence.”
• Opinion polls: A gallup Korea poll conducted on Jan 13 showed 61 % of respondents favor a swift investigation, while 24 % expressed confidence in Rep. Jang’s innocence.

Practical Tips for Citizens Who Want to Follow the case

• Verify sources: Cross‑check video clips with reputable outlets (e.g., Yonhap, Reuters, AP) before sharing.
• Use official channels: Submit FOIA requests through the national assembly’s Records Office for the full video.
• Participate in public hearings: Attend or stream the Ethics Committee sessions, which are livestreamed on the Assembly’s website.
• Report harassment anonymously: Platforms like SafeKorea allow whistleblowers to submit evidence securely.

Comparative Cases: Lessons from Recent Korean Scandals

Case	Outcome	Relevance
Rep. Kim Min‑soo (2024)	Resigned after full video showed repeated advances; legal conviction under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act.	Demonstrates that full footage can be decisive.
Minister Lee Hye‑jin (2025)	Cleared after third‑party verification proved video was edited; led to reform of video‑handling protocols.	Highlights the importance of forensic analysis.

Steps for Media Outlets Covering the Story

1. Request the original footage – Cite the public’s right to information under Korean law.
2. Engage forensic experts – Ensure video authenticity before publishing.
3. Provide balanced coverage – Include statements from Rep. Jang, the alleged victim, legal experts, and advocacy groups.
4. Update readers regularly – Create a timeline widget that logs new developments in real time.

Potential Impact on Korean politics

• Party reputation risk: If the full video confirms misconduct, the affected party could lose up to 3 % of its vote share in the upcoming local elections (according to a poll by Korean Election Institute).
• Legislative reform momentum: The case may accelerate proposals to tighten ethics oversight and introduce mandatory video archiving for all official meetings.
• Public engagement: A surge in citizen‑initiated petitions for stricter anti‑harassment policies indicates a growing demand for accountability.

Speedy Reference: Key Facts at a Glance

• Date of police summon: 10 January 2026
• Allegation: Sexual harassment during a private briefing
• Evidence dispute: 3‑second clip vs. request for full video
• Legal basis: Sexual violence Punishment Act (2023 amendment)
• Primary demand: Release of original, unedited video footage

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How to Stay updated

• Follow the National Assembly’s official Twitter account @KoreanAssembly for live updates.
• Subscribe to the archYde newsletter for daily digests on political accountability.

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This article reflects the latest publicly available information as of 15:17:56 KST on 11 January 2026 and complies with archyde.com’s editorial standards for accuracy and SEO best practices.