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Park Na-rae Case Complicated by Former Police Chief's Law Firm Appointment

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 4:22 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: Seoul, KOREA REPUBLIC OF

Seoul, South Korea - February 19, 2026 - The already contentious case of actress and comedian Park Na-rae, facing allegations of drink-driving in Seoul's Gangnam district, has been further complicated by the controversial appointment of former Gangnam Police Chief Kang Seok-ho to the law firm representing her, Dong-a Law. The move has sparked a national debate concerning potential conflicts of interest, ethical boundaries, and the perception of preferential treatment within the South Korean legal system.

Park Na-rae was arrested last month following an incident in Gangnam, a district known for its affluence and nightlife. Initial reports indicated a standard drink-driving arrest, but the situation quickly escalated following Park's subsequent apology posts on social media. While intended to express remorse, the posts were widely criticized as being insincere and tone-deaf, adding fuel to the public outrage. This initial reaction set the stage for intense scrutiny of every aspect of the case.

Dong-a Law was retained to provide legal counsel for Park Na-rae, a routine step in such proceedings. However, the firm's subsequent hiring of Kang Seok-ho, the former head of the Gangnam Police Department, is anything but routine. Kang Seok-ho, during his tenure as police chief, would have been responsible for overseeing investigations within the very district where Park Na-rae's arrest occurred. Critics are now questioning whether he possesses inside knowledge that could unfairly influence the case, or if his presence is intended to intimidate investigators or prosecutors.

The core of the controversy revolves around the potential for a conflict of interest. Opponents argue that Kang Seok-ho's prior position gives him access to information and relationships within law enforcement that could be exploited to benefit his client, Park Na-rae. Even the appearance of impropriety is damaging to public trust, they contend. While there is no direct evidence of wrongdoing at this stage, the optics are undeniably unfavorable.

"This is a deeply troubling situation," stated Professor Lee Min-ji, a legal ethics expert at Seoul National University. "The principles of justice demand impartiality, and the public must have confidence in the integrity of the legal process. A former law enforcement official, so recently involved in investigations within the relevant jurisdiction, joining the defense team creates a reasonable perception of bias. Even if Kang Seok-ho acts with the utmost professionalism, the shadow of potential influence will loom large."

The controversy has ignited a firestorm on social media, with the hashtag #ParkNaRaeGate trending for days. Online forums are flooded with comments expressing disappointment and anger, and calls for a thorough investigation into Kang Seok-ho's appointment. Many commenters are questioning the fairness of the entire legal system, fearing that wealth and connections can influence outcomes.

Dong-a Law has defended its decision, stating that Kang Seok-ho is a highly respected legal professional with extensive experience, and that his hiring is based solely on his qualifications. They claim he will be assigned to other cases, and his expertise will be a valuable asset to the firm. However, this explanation has done little to quell the public outcry. Legal observers note that the firm's strategic choice to have him join while representing Park Na-rae, rather than waiting for a period of time to pass, is particularly problematic.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has stated it is aware of the concerns and is reviewing the situation to determine if any regulations or ethical guidelines have been violated. However, the agency maintains that it has no authority to directly intervene in the hiring practices of private law firms. The Bar Association of Korea is also reportedly considering whether to launch an investigation into the matter.

The Park Na-rae case, initially a matter of traffic law, has now become a flashpoint for broader concerns about transparency, accountability, and the influence of privilege in South Korean society. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining public trust in the legal system and the need for robust safeguards against potential conflicts of interest. As the case progresses, the focus will undoubtedly remain on whether Park Na-rae receives a fair trial, and whether the appointment of Kang Seok-ho compromises that fundamental right.