The KBS investigative documentary “Investigative K” uncovered allegations of coercive police interrogation tactics used against a Sri Lankan worker, Dimudu, who was accused of causing a massive fire at an oil storage facility in Goyang in 2018. During the investigation, the police were recorded repeatedly yelling, using abusive language, and pressuring Dimudu to confess—reportedly saying “Don’t lie” over 120 times in a single session. The suspect was not provided adequate interpretation or legal protection during questioning, raising serious human rights concerns.
Attorney Aaron Hwang appeared in the report as a legal expert. He criticized the investigation as a textbook case of coerced confession, stating that the officers framed questions based on a presumption of guilt and used emotionally charged tactics to obtain admissions. Hwang emphasized that such practices compromise due process and violate both domestic legal standards and international human rights norms.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea later concluded that the investigation had indeed involved coercion and recommended disciplinary action against the officers involved. The case has since become a pivotal example in Korea of how vulnerable foreign workers may face systemic abuse within the criminal justice system.