Nam Gu-jun, Head of the National Police Agency, "'LH Incident' Investigation by the National Police Agency is Appropriate... We Will Deliver Results That Satisfy the Public"

Indirect Criticism of Political Sphere's Special Prosecutor Introduction Debate
"Nationwide Investigation Situation Highlights Special Prosecutor Personnel Limitations"

Nam Gu-jun, Chief of the National Investigation Headquarters (NIH) of the National Police Agency, is entering the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 8th to report to Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun. The National Investigation Headquarters of the Police Agency oversees the investigation of allegations of speculative investment in new towns by executives and employees of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH). Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Regarding the special prosecutor system under discussion in the National Assembly concerning allegations of real estate speculation by employees of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), the National Police Agency’s National Investigation Headquarters (NIH), which leads the government joint special investigation headquarters, expressed discomfort.

On the 18th, Nam Gu-jun, head of the NIH, told reporters, “The NIH is the largest investigative agency nationwide and has accumulated ample investigative experience and know-how,” adding, “I am confident that the NIH, which has an investigative system for nationwide situations like the LH case, is the most suitable investigative agency.”

The police’s indirect criticism of the political circle’s introduction of a special prosecutor is considered quite unusual. Since this is the first major case after the expansion of police investigative authority following the implementation of the prosecution-police investigation rights adjustment, it is interpreted as a determination to prove their own investigative capabilities. Head Nam emphasized, “The special prosecutor discussion will be carefully conducted in the National Assembly, but regardless of that, we will show results that the public can accept within a short time.”

Regarding why he believes that an investigation by the NIH is more efficient than a special prosecutor, Head Nam pointed out, “The police played a significant role during the investigations of the first and second phases of new towns,” and added, “There will likely be limitations in manpower for a special prosecutor in a nationwide investigation.”

However, he also added that if a special prosecutor is launched, they will cooperate. He said, “It depends on how the ruling and opposition parties design the special prosecutor system,” and “If the special prosecutor is formed, we will actively cooperate where necessary.”

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