'Push Allegation' Police Director Kim Sun-ho... Lee Sang-min "Hearing Various Stories"

Minister of the Interior and Safety Sang-min Lee (left) arrived at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 23rd to inspect the Eulji Exercise training and is moving while being guided by National Police Agency Commissioner Hee-geun Yoon.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min said on the 23rd that he is "hearing various stories" regarding the possibility of a personnel change for Police Bureau Director Kim Soon-ho, who has been embroiled in controversy over allegations of whistleblowing.

After receiving a briefing on the Eulji Exercise at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Minister Lee responded to related questions from reporters by saying, "I have not yet had separate consultations with Police Chief Yoon Hee-geun or Director Kim," adding this response. Minister Lee had previously stated on the 18th during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee briefing that he would consider replacing Director Kim.

Earlier, Police Chief Yoon said at a press conference the day before that regarding Director Kim's personnel change, "The opinion of the dispatched agency (Ministry of the Interior and Safety) is important," and added, "I do not think any additional facts have emerged to the extent that we must definitely replace him." He also drew a line by saying, "It will be a matter to judge if a request comes from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety."

Regarding the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Cargo Solidarity's occupation of the HiteJinro headquarters, Minister Lee said, "It does not seem to be a serious situation yet," and added, "I think we need to wait and see a little longer." Concerning the situation where some union members brought flammable materials to the rooftop of the HiteJinro headquarters they occupied, he said, "I am not sure of the exact details," and added, "It does not seem to have been confirmed yet."

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