President Yoon on Opposition to Police Bureau Establishment: "Serious Disruption of National Discipline"

Yoon "Deep Concern Over Collective Actions of Police Chiefs... President is the Final Commander and Supervisor of National Defense and Security"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 26th criticized the frontline police officers' opposition to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's establishment of a Police Bureau as a "serious disruption of national discipline."

On his way to the Yongsan Presidential Office that day, President Yoon responded to reporters' questions asking, "Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min's remarks and responses are quite severe and tough. Are these actions in line with the measures President Yoon mentioned?" by making the above statement.

As Superintendent Ryu Sam-young, who led the nationwide police chiefs' meeting on the 23rd, was placed on standby, internal police opposition has been spreading, and middle and junior officers such as inspectors and lieutenants have also announced plans to hold meetings. President Yoon's remarks served as a warning for restraint.

Unlike his brief comment the previous day regarding opposition to the establishment of the Police Bureau, stating, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Police Agency will take necessary measures," President Yoon continued with strong remarks that day. He explained, "Like all citizens, I also have deep concerns about the collective actions of police chiefs in charge of public safety," and added, "I think Minister Lee's expression yesterday probably reflected such public concerns."

Minister Lee criticized in a briefing and during a National Assembly government questioning session the previous day, saying, "It is very dangerous to disregard ranks and disobey superior orders because coercive force and physical power can be mobilized," and "If this were the military, leaving each one's area of responsibility and gathering together is almost equivalent to the Hanahoe's December 12 coup, which is extremely inappropriate."

President Yoon also pointed out, "Defense and public safety are fundamental state affairs, and the ultimate commander and supervisor is the president," and "Collective opposition to policies and organizational restructuring plans pursued by the government according to the Constitution and laws can constitute a serious disruption of national discipline."

He emphasized, "The Police Bureau establishment plan will be deliberated at the Cabinet meeting today. While various opinions may exist, the basic order and foundation of the nation must not be shaken."

Meanwhile, on the 26th, President Yoon Suk-yeol will receive work reports from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The Ministry of Justice report is expected to cover the 검수완박 (complete removal of prosecutorial investigation rights), and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety report will likely include discussions on the establishment of the Police Bureau and related matters.

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