'Suspended' Hwang Unha, Resignation Acceptance Status?…Police Repeatedly Deliberate

Hwang Unha, former Director of the Police Human Resources Development Institute. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Interest is growing over whether the resignation of former Police Talent Development Institute Director Hwang Un-ha, who declared his candidacy for the 21st general election, will be accepted following the revelation that he was suspended from his position. Former Director Hwang, who was indicted on charges related to the 'Blue House ordered investigation suspicion' involving former Ulsan Mayor Kim Ki-hyun, submitted his resignation but is currently campaigning while maintaining his status as a public official.

According to the National Police Agency on the 24th, it was confirmed that former Director Hwang was suspended from his position as Director of the Police Talent Development Institute as of the 21st. Although suspension does not mean that the resignation has been accepted, since he no longer holds the position, it is expected that former Director Hwang will be able to campaign more freely.

The remaining issue is whether former Director Hwang's resignation will be accepted. Under the current Public Official Election Act, a public official is considered to have resigned from their position once their resignation letter is received by the head of their affiliated institution or committee. Based on this regulation, former Director Hwang has registered as a preliminary candidate and is conducting election campaigns. However, whether campaigning while maintaining public official status is acceptable from the voters' perspective is another matter. From the candidate's standpoint, there are inevitable restrictions, such as having to seek interpretations from the election commission for each action.

The National Police Agency is deeply deliberating over the acceptance of the resignation. For the police to accept the resignation, they must determine that former Director Hwang's charges do not constitute a 'serious disciplinary' matter, but since the trial has not yet taken place, making such a judgment is a significant burden for the police. National Police Chief Min Gap-ryong stated in a written statement on the same day, "The procedure for resignation from office is underway," and added, "We plan to review the possibility of dismissal after verifying the relevant facts."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.