Yoon Hee-geun Meets with Police Officers Association, Says "Trust the Leadership... Will Ensure No Compromise to Police Neutrality"

Yoon Hee-geun, the nominee for Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, is meeting with the delegation of the National Police Workplace Council at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu on the 21st.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Yoon Hee-geun, the nominee for Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, met with representatives of the National Police Workplace Council on the 21st and said, "I will closely examine the process of the new operational system to ensure that the fundamental values of the police system, neutrality and accountability, are not compromised."

In his opening remarks at the 'National Workplace Council Representatives Meeting' held at the National Police Agency in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Yoon said, "There has been much deliberation as we organized and discussed our agency’s stance on police system improvements." He added, "Although we have not fully met your expectations, many of your opinions have been substantially reflected."

Regarding the workplace council representatives’ opposition to the establishment of the Police Bureau under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, expressed through acts such as head-shaving ceremonies, fasting, and the three-step, one-bow protest, Yoon said, "Seeing our colleagues who maintain public order take to the streets under the scorching heat made me feel an immense sense of responsibility." He added, "Although the methods of expression differ, I understand that all stem from deep loyalty to the police and a strong sense of duty as police officers."

Yoon promised, "I will dedicate the remainder of my police career to realizing long-standing demands that have remained mere slogans until now as soon as possible, and to ensuring that each and every one of you can feel pride as uniformed officers." The long-standing demands he referred to include salary increases for public security ranks and the introduction of a multiple-rank system. He also sincerely requested, "Now, please trust the leadership and channel the energy you have shown throughout the discussions toward a better future for the police."

The meeting was arranged after the police leadership, focusing on resolving internal confusion caused by the establishment of the Police Bureau under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, proposed a communication opportunity to the workplace council, which had strongly opposed the move through head-shaving and fasting protests. The meeting aimed to exchange opinions on the main contents and measures of the recently announced police system improvement plan, including the establishment of the Police Bureau, and to share the results of the working-level consultative body operated with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

The meeting was attended by 10 members of the police leadership, including nominee Yoon. On the workplace council side, 19 representatives elected from each city and provincial police agency participated, led by Yeo Ik-hwan, chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Workplace Council. Min Kwan-gi, chairman of the Cheongju Heungdeok Police Station Workplace Council in Chungbuk, who collapsed after fasting in protest against the establishment of the Police Bureau, was also present. The meeting was scheduled to last about three hours.

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