Kang Min-jin "Only Female Police Officers Face Hate... No Controversy When Male Officers Misconduct"

"Different Standards for Male and Female Police Officers: Unfairness and Gender Discrimination"

Kang Min-jin, leader of the Youth Justice Party. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Kang Minjin, leader of the Youth Justice Party, pointed out that regarding the controversy over the police's inadequate response during the Incheon stabbing incident, "When male police officers commit problems, no controversy arises, but in the case of female police officers, a narrative of uselessness spreads, and 'female police hatred' expands."

On the 22nd, Kang posted on Facebook under the title "South Korea needs female police officers," making this claim.

Kang stated, "The qualities police must have are not just 'restraint ability.' Investigation is done with the mind," adding, "When investigating victims, perpetrators, and witnesses, interpersonal skills are necessary. Especially victims of sexual violence or domestic violence often request to be investigated by female police officers."

She continued, "When male police officers commit problems, there is no 'male police controversy,' but when female police officers cause issues, a narrative of uselessness spreads to all female officers, and 'female police hatred' expands," emphasizing, "The different standards applied to male and female police officers is unfair and discriminatory."

She said, "Most police officers do their best to protect the safety of the public, but occasionally some inappropriate cases occur. The police's abandonment of the scene in Namdong-gu, Incheon is one such case," adding, "There have been issues with police excessive force, and there have been cases where police, who should protect the public, committed sex crimes. However, the majority of police officers carry out their duties with a sense of mission. Female police officers are no exception."

She further stated, "Police work ultimately deals with interpersonal issues. Police forces composed only of men are less effective than those with women included," and said, "From 2023, gender-neutral police recruitment has begun, and since the abolition of gender-segregated recruitment in the Police University and officer candidate exams, the number of female successful candidates has increased. I hope we will see more female police officers in the future."

The Incheon stabbing incident Kang referred to occurred on the 15th at a villa in Namdong-gu. A man in his 40s living in the villa wielded a weapon against a family living downstairs with whom he had conflicts over noise between floors. At the time, a female police officer at the scene left the site citing reasons such as requesting emergency support, leading to criticism of inadequate police response.

Regarding this, Kim Changryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, acknowledged the police's inadequate response and apologized on the 21st.