President Lee Jae-myung called on the police to conduct investigations responsibly and overhaul the organization, as a restructuring of South Korea's criminal justice system has expanded their authority. He stressed the need to strengthen democratic control over police powers, prevent gaps in investigations and pursue bold reforms to correct flawed practices and systems.
Speaking at the 81st Police Day ceremony held on Oct. 21 at the Chamsuri Hall of the Korean National Police Agency in Seoul's Seodaemun District, Lee said police must keep in mind that their responsibility has grown even heavier now that their authority is greater than ever, following the sweeping overhaul of a criminal justice system that had been in place for more than 70 years. He also urged the police to work closely with related agencies, including the Public Prosecution Office and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, to prevent gaps in investigations and strengthen democratic oversight.
Lee also emphasized the need to reform the police organization. "I hope you will look back soberly on what has been lacking and actively pursue reform that boldly corrects flawed practices and systems," he said, adding that police must always be wary that the misconduct of a few and inadequate responses can erode the trust and reputation of the entire organization. "Public trust cannot be restored with words," he said. "You must show a changed face in the field and make bone-grinding efforts so that the public can feel the change."
The police, for their part, pledged to raise accountability in investigations and tighten internal controls. Kim Jong-cheol, acting commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, said the role and responsibility of the police have become heavier than ever. "We will bear the weight of responsibility before that of authority, and serve the public with greater humility," he said.
Kim also said, "We will not forget that each case is a desperate crossroads that can determine the course of a person's life," pledging to protect the rights of citizens through fair investigations that respect human rights and to establish strong internal self-discipline and external oversight mechanisms. On a recent string of violent crimes, he said the police take public anxiety seriously and will strengthen protection for socially vulnerable groups and support for crime victims. Kim read out the police charter alongside 14 frontline officers at the ceremony, pledging action for organizational reform and public safety.