Responsibility for the 'Yongsan Tragedy' in the Recommendation of the Incheon Autonomous Police Committee... National Police Chief "Apologetic"

Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency. / Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] On the 19th, Police Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong apologized, saying, "We should have reviewed it more carefully, and I am sorry," regarding the recommendation of former Incheon Police Chief Shin Doo-ho, who was responsible for the suppression during the 2009 Yongsan tragedy, as a member of the Incheon Autonomous Police Committee.

Former Commissioner Shin served as the head of the Mobile Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency during the 2008 mad cow disease candlelight protests and was the person in charge of the on-site suppression operation, including the deployment of the riot police, during the 2009 Yongsan tragedy.

Previously, the National Police Commission recommended former Commissioner Shin as a member of the Incheon Autonomous Police Committee, which sparked backlash from local and civic communities. The Yongsan Tragedy Truth Investigation Committee issued a statement opposing the appointment, saying, "We oppose the appointment of former Commissioner Shin, who commanded the on-site suppression mobile unit at the time, as a member of the Incheon Autonomous Police Committee, which symbolizes police reform," and criticized it as "digging up the unhealed wounds of the victims and awarding a medal for violent suppression."

The Police Human Rights Committee also urged the National Police Commission to withdraw the recommendation of former Commissioner Shin, stating, "This not only violates the purpose of the autonomous police system but also undermines the legitimacy of police reform and nullifies the efforts made so far to reflect on and consider human rights violations by the police and to move towards a human rights-oriented police."

In response, Commissioner Kim explained, "Basically, the National Police Commission holds the right to recommend one member per city and province for the autonomous police committees. The National Police Commission requested to secure a sufficient pool of candidates, so the Police Agency recommended two to three people per city and province, among whom former Commissioner Shin was one."

Commissioner Kim added, "We should have carefully reviewed and decided on the nominee by paying closer attention to public perception and sentiment, and I sincerely apologize for that part."