Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency: "The Lee Yong-gu Case Was Not Reported to the Blue House"

National Police Agency to Operate Under Acting Leadership System for the Time Being

Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The National Police Agency announced on the 28th that it selected 91 responsible investigators to replace prosecutors' investigative command on the 24th of this month, ahead of the implementation of the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and police on January 1 next year. A total of 2,192 police officers applied for the responsible investigator positions, and among them, 1,924 took the selection exam held on the 5th. The ranks of the 91 selected officers are mainly Lieutenant, Captain, and Superintendent. By field, there are 59 in criminal investigation, 26 in general investigation, and 6 in cyber investigation. A National Police Agency official said, "Responsible investigators are a certification concept that demonstrates investigative expertise," adding, "The purpose is to select capable investigators and establish a system that completely replaces prosecutors' investigative command."

The National Investigation Headquarters (Guksubon), which will be launched in January next year, will oversee police investigations. Responsible investigators are recognized as so-called 'aces' among the approximately 30,000 police officers under Guksubon. A National Police Agency official explained, "Every year, a small elite group is selected as responsible investigators so that they can occupy key positions such as Guksubon chiefs and team leaders," adding, "Even if their rank is relatively low, if they have the qualification of a responsible investigator, they may take on such positions." The National Police Agency plans to hold the second responsible investigator selection exam in June next year.

Guksubon will operate under a temporary deputy system for the time being. In written materials for a press briefing on the same day, Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong said, "It has not yet been decided whether the head will be selected internally or externally," and explained, "To prevent a vacancy in the position of the head of the National Investigation Headquarters, a deputy will be appointed to perform the duties of the head until the appointment is made." If the head of Guksubon is selected internally, the appointment is made by the President upon recommendation by the Police Commissioner, proposal by the Minister of the Interior and Safety, and passage through the Prime Minister. If decided through an external recruitment process, additional steps such as document screening, physical examination, and comprehensive evaluation will be conducted.

Regarding the taxi driver assault case involving Deputy Minister of Justice Lee Yong-gu, Commissioner Kim said, "This was a matter closed as an internal investigation on the 12th of last month, and it was not reported to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency or the headquarters at that time, nor was it reported to the Blue House," adding, "Since it is currently under investigation by the prosecution following a complaint, it is not appropriate to comment on plans for reinvestigation."

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