Police Chief: "Not Attached to Position... Police Independence Is an Eternal Value"

Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, said on the 16th, "I am well aware that concerns and frustrations among colleagues are growing during the discussions on democratic control measures over the police, centered around the 'Police System Improvement Advisory Committee' established at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety," adding, "I will become a commissioner who stands proudly in history without clinging to my position."

On the morning of the same day, Commissioner Kim posted on the police internal network 'Field Vitality' stating, "As the Commissioner of the National Police Agency, I will fulfill my given duties and responsibilities to ensure that the spirit and purpose of the Police Act, upheld by police colleagues and predecessors through a difficult history, are not diminished." This is interpreted as an effort to directly express his position and calm the organizational atmosphere amid the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's concrete police control measures and rising dissatisfaction among frontline police officers.

Commissioner Kim said, "I am always open-minded to participate in discussions on the decentralization and control of police powers concerning concerns about police over-expansion," and added, "I will clearly express the police's intentions and will through normal and appropriate methods and procedures." He also emphasized, "Once the advisory committee's specific proposals are announced soon, I will clearly state our agency's position as the representative of 140,000 police officers to ensure that your honor and pride are not damaged, and I will make every effort to that end."

He further stated, "The democracy, neutrality, independence, and accountability of the police are eternal values that come from the people and are directed toward the people," urging, "Field police officers, please trust the commissioner and continue to do your best without any negligence in your fundamental duties of ensuring public safety and protecting people's livelihoods."

Earlier, as it became known that the advisory committee would recommend the establishment of a police bureau within the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, opposition statements from regional workplace councils and others have continued on the police internal network, leading to ongoing backlash. During this process, voices criticizing the leadership, which has remained virtually silent, also emerged. Previously, Commissioner Kim stated at a press briefing last month regarding the establishment of the police bureau within the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, "The spirit of the Police Act amendment to guarantee political neutrality and independence must be respected."

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