Turbulent Police Chief Nominee Hearing, Will It Become a 'Park Won-soon Hearing'?

Kim Chang-ryong Nominee Expected to Pass Smoothly
Heated Debate Foreseen at Confirmation Hearing on 20th
Preparation Team Busy Over Former Mayor Park Issue
Likely to Clarify Position at Hearing

Kim Chang-ryong, nominee for Commissioner General of the National Police Agency.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The parliamentary confirmation hearing for Kim Chang-ryong, the nominee for Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, which was expected to pass smoothly, is now in turmoil. As the police remain silent regarding the death of the late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and the sexual harassment allegations, the hearing is expected to effectively become a 'Park Won-soon hearing.' Kim is now in a position where he must clarify the police's stance on this controversy in some form during the hearing.

According to the police on the 15th, the confirmation hearing preparation team formed at the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency is currently focusing on responding to matters related to the late Mayor Park ahead of the hearing scheduled for the 20th. Typically, the week before a hearing is a time to refine public safety policy directions and conduct final checks such as Q&A simulations. However, with the Park issue emerging, the atmosphere within the preparation team has changed significantly. Since Kim had few personal flaws and was expected to pass smoothly, the focus had been on reviewing plans for police reform, including adjustments to investigative authority between the prosecution and police and the autonomous police system. Due to the sudden emergence of this major issue, it is known that they are now hurriedly preparing anticipated questions and answers.

Earlier, the victim's side demanded through a press conference that "the police clarify their position on the case based on the investigation so far." As of this day, two days later, the police have remained silent. The reason given is that due to the death of the accused, the case must be closed with 'no prosecution,' and only the complainant has been investigated, so there is no particular position to disclose. However, it seems unlikely that Kim can avoid related questions during the hearing. Given the opposition party's focused attacks and the victim's demand for the police's stance, there is little justification for evasion.

Gomikyung, Executive Director of Korea Women's Hotline, is speaking at the "Press Conference on the Sexual Harassment Case by the Mayor of Seoul" held on the 13th at Korea Women's Hotline in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Honam munonam@

This could potentially become a 'landmine' for Kim, as it may be linked to the sexual harassment case of former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don, which became public while Kim was the Busan Police Commissioner. The Busan Police summoned former Mayor Oh privately, sparking controversy over a 'privileged summons,' and faced criticism for allegedly conducting a passive investigation. Additionally, questions are expected to arise about whether it is appropriate to close cases without uncovering the truth by declaring 'no prosecution' when the involved party dies.

In particular, clear police explanations are needed regarding the suspicion of a 'leak' that the late Mayor Park was aware of the accusation beforehand. The National Police Agency acknowledged that it reported the accusation to the Blue House under the 'Regulations on the Secretariat of the Blue House,' but explained that "the accusation was not notified to Mayor Park himself." However, the regulation cited by the police is confidential, and it is unclear whether there is an actual written rule. Even if such a regulation exists, reporting every major case to the Blue House could raise further controversy over the 'political neutrality' of police investigations.

Based on this logic, the opposition party is demanding an internal investigation to ascertain the facts, and the police are likely to face pressure as they are also subjects of investigation. A National Police Agency official said, "There is no position we can disclose at this time," but added, "We expect related questions to arise during the confirmation hearing, and the preparation team is preparing answers accordingly."