'Opening of Bars and Ban on Ceremonial Protocols' Kim Kwang-ho, Seoul Police Chief's Bold Move

First Day Off After Inauguration: Arrived in Hiking Clothes
Expected to Continue Reviewing Work Reports
Ordered Use of Chief's Residence and Employee Welfare Facilities

Kim Kwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. / Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Kim Kwang-ho, the newly appointed Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, came to his office on the first weekend after his inauguration on the 11th. He was dressed in hiking clothes with a backpack. It is said that he came alone without informing his aides or secretaries. Even on weekends, if a large-scale rally or protest is scheduled in the jurisdiction, the commissioner usually comes to work to personally oversee it, but there was no such schedule that day. Giving up a precious day off, Commissioner Kim said, "Since it is the first time, I need to understand the work reports from each department," adding, "How long I will have to come on weekends depends on how well I grasp the contents."

The issue that Commissioner Kim is focusing on immediately after his appointment is the security around the Yongsan Presidential Office, which has become a hot topic. He is particularly concerned about the 101 Security Unit, directly under the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, which carries out this mission. The 101 Security Unit is known to have significantly worsened working conditions since the presidential office moved from the former Blue House to Yongsan. There is not even a common air conditioner in the living quarters, and there are far too few beds to lie down and rest briefly. Amid this, a live ammunition loss incident has occurred, leading to severe external criticism pointing to 'lax discipline.' Commissioner Kim said, "The morale of the 101 Security Unit has dropped a lot," and "It seems it will be busy for a while." Managing rallies and protests is also an important part of his duties. Currently, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Public Transport Workers' Cargo Solidarity general strike is underway, and next month, a nationwide labor rally of 70,000 members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions is scheduled.

Commissioner Kim has instructed to consider using the Seoul Police Chief’s official residence as a welfare facility for employees. It takes about 30 minutes by car from Commissioner Kim’s home to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency located in Naejadong, Seoul. In contrast, from the official residence located in Hyoja-dong, it only takes about 5 minutes to reach the agency. Despite this convenience, Commissioner Kim chose to forgo it, citing the old saying 'Gajeonbulnalli Ihabujeonggwan' (meaning not to seek personal gain from public office). "There are even talks about using the official residence for financial gain. I think it is better to clearly see the issue rather than get caught up in various rumors." This means he does not want to cause unnecessary misunderstandings. Commissioner Kim also said, "I have always wondered why people who own houses in Seoul use the official residence. Back when fax was the main communication tool, it made sense to use the official residence, but not anymore." Since the official residence was established in Hyoja-dong in November 1996, 30 chiefs have passed through, but Commissioner Kim is the only one who has not used it.

It is said that Commissioner Kim’s declaration in front of employees on the day of his inauguration that "I will decline unnecessary ceremonies" reflects his usual belief in focusing on substance over formal procedures. He made a similar promise at the inauguration ceremony. "I will keep in mind that the dignity of public safety is often determined by the integrity and morality of the commander, and as the representative of the police agency, I will first reflect on myself and do my best to thoroughly manage myself."

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