Amid Repeated Police Misconduct... National Police Agency Chief Pledges "Efforts to Prevent Recurrence and Self-Correction"

Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency. / Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), recent allegations of sexual harassment by a police station chief and incidents of police officers driving under the influence have raised concerns that police discipline has deteriorated excessively. In response, the police have begun preparing measures to prevent recurrence.

Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, stated in written materials for a press briefing on the 7th, "To fundamentally eradicate internal corruption, it is necessary to establish a systematic misconduct prevention system along with improving individual awareness and organizational culture."

Commissioner Kim added, "We will analyze the causes of past misconducts to proactively prevent them, and continuously review structural and institutional issues related to job-related misconduct to prevent recurrence." He also said, "Through internal education, in-house discussions, and campaigns, we will fundamentally change the organizational culture and awareness, enabling employees to make self-purification efforts."

Due to a series of recent police misconduct issues, suspension from duty and investigations are currently underway. Regarding the allegation that the chief of Gwangsan Police Station in Gwangju made inappropriate physical contact with a worker at a bar on the 21st of last month, the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency's Special Investigation Team for Crimes Against Women has launched an investigation. The police are securing evidence and conducting witness interviews.

Additionally, an allegation has surfaced that a police officer accepted a vehicle from an illegal car rental operator in exchange for a case favor, and an internal investigation is currently in progress. Several frontline police officers have also been caught driving under the influence, leading to suspensions and internal investigations. Commissioner Kim stated, "We will thoroughly investigate the raised allegations, and if misconduct is confirmed, we will take strict measures including disciplinary action and criminal prosecution."

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