Kim Ki-hyun: "The National Police Agency's report to Jeong Sye-gyun is illegal... Do they run to report just because they are called?"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, raised concerns about the 'neutrality' issue regarding Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun receiving a report from the head of the National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters on the suspicion of speculative investment by employees of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) in new towns. He pointed out that even though the National Investigation Headquarters belongs to the executive branch, it is a violation of regulations for a politician-turned-prime minister to command it.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 8th, through social networking services (SNS), Rep. Kim said, "Prime Minister Chung reportedly received a report this morning from the head of the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency regarding the investigation status of the LH employees' new town speculation allegations," and questioned, "By what authority does the prime minister receive reports from the National Investigation Headquarters and command the investigation?"

He stated, "According to the prosecution-police investigation authority adjustment plan, the prosecution's command over police investigations has been abolished, and the National Investigation Headquarters is an independent and neutral investigative agency where even the police chief cannot specifically command or supervise individual cases," adding, "Even though the National Investigation Headquarters belongs to the executive branch, it is illegal under current laws for Prime Minister Chung, a Democratic Party politician, to obtain investigation information and command the investigation on this highly political issue. This act violates the Act on the Organization and Operation of the National Police and the Autonomous Police."

Rep. Kim also criticized the attitude of the police and the National Investigation Headquarters. He said, "Even if the powerful prime minister calls, isn't it the duty of the agency head to protect the agency's independence and neutrality at all costs?" and added, "Seeing the head of the National Investigation Headquarters running to report and receive instructions just because he was called, the investigation conclusion of the National Investigation Headquarters, whose life depends on independence and neutrality, already seems obvious."