Incheon: 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.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoo Jae-seong stated, "I am very sorry for causing concern to the public," acknowledging the seriousness 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, adding to the complexity of the case. Multiple police officers at Gwangju's Gwangsan Police Station have come under investigation on suspicions of leaking investigative information and destroying evidence related to the case. The controversy has sparked public outcry and raised questions about the integrity of the police force's handling of sensitive investigations.