Police Chief: "Hwang Unha's Dual Position Issue, Opinions Gathered Through Expert Forum... Action Before Term Ends"

National Police Chief Min Gap-ryong is attending a video conference related to the launch of the Special Investigation Headquarters for Digital Sex Crimes held at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul on the 25th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The police are deeply deliberating over whether to accept the resignation of Hwang Un-ha, who was elected as a member of the 21st National Assembly while serving as an active police officer. Since the term of the 21st National Assembly begins on the 30th of this month, a decision is expected before then.

On the morning of the 18th, Min Gap-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, stated at a press briefing held at the police headquarters in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, “We plan to hold an expert forum this week to gather opinions,” adding, “We intend to find a legal and reasonable solution and take appropriate measures.”

Hwang was suspended from his position as director of the Police Human Resources Development Institute on February 21 and subsequently ran for the general election and was elected. However, he still maintains his status as an active police officer. Hwang has submitted his resignation to the police.

However, there is a conflict between the “Regulations on Handling Public Officials’ Misconduct Cases,” which prohibit dismissal if charged with a criminal case, and the National Assembly Act, which prohibits members of the National Assembly from maintaining active public official status. The prosecution indicted Hwang, who was then the chief of the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency, in January of this year on charges of interfering in the Ulsan mayoral election ahead of the June 2018 local elections.

Commissioner Min said, “We sent inquiries to related agencies and experts and received responses, but since this is an unforeseen issue, opinions are divided,” adding, “We need to resolve the situation before the National Assembly term begins on the 30th of this month.” He continued, “We will gather the most widely supported opinions through expert advice and discussions.”

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