Yoon Hee-geun, Nominee for Commissioner of the National Police Agency, "Police Authority Must Be Exercised Under Democratic Control"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Yoon Hee-geun, the Deputy Commissioner General of the National Police Agency who has been nominated as the next Commissioner General, emphasized on the 5th regarding the establishment of the Police Bureau within the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, "Basically, police authority must be exercised under democratic control, and neutrality and accountability must also be respected."

After attending the temporary meeting of the National Police Commission, which deliberated on the proposal for the appointment of the Commissioner General, Yoon stated, "I will go through a consultation process with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to ensure that these opinions are reflected as much as possible." It is known that Yoon met with Minister Lee Sang-min of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety last week. He conveyed that he expressed these intentions to Minister Lee during that meeting.

Regarding frontline police officers opposing the establishment of the Police Bureau within the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and initiating relay head-shaving and fasting protests, Yoon said, "As the nominee, I fully empathize with the concerns expressed by the field officers, which I believe stem from their affection for the police," but also added, "There is also concern that this might cause greater worry among the public." He further pledged, "Although I am a nominee, I will listen to the voices from the field as much as possible in my capacity as acting Commissioner General and make reasonable expressions of opinion to prevent public concerns from arising."

In response to concerns that the establishment of the Police Bureau within the Ministry of the Interior and Safety might weaken the authority of the Commissioner General, Yoon firmly stated, "I do not agree." He explained, "The Police Bureau is understood as a support organization assisting the Minister of the Interior and Safety in legal authorities such as personnel appointment recommendations," and added, "Regarding the inspection part, it is understood to be difficult unless there is a legal enactment in the future." Yoon also elaborated, "The Commissioner General clearly has the authority to recommend personnel appointments," and said, "If the recommendation and appointment rights are exercised after sufficient consultation, there is no need to worry about hollowing out."

The National Police Commission held a temporary meeting on the same day according to the appointment procedures for the Commissioner General stipulated in the Police Act and confirmed Yoon's status as the candidate for Commissioner General. Minister Lee also announced that he would recommend Deputy Commissioner General Yoon as the candidate for Commissioner General. After going through legal procedures such as the National Assembly confirmation hearing, President Yoon Suk-yeol can finally appoint him as the Commissioner General. Earlier, upon attending the National Police Commission's temporary meeting, Yoon stated, "I am aware that public expectations and concerns about the police are greater and more serious than ever," and added, "I feel a heavy sense of responsibility and mission."

Yoon, who is from Cheongju, Chungbuk, entered the police force as part of the 7th class of the Korean National Police University. If he assumes the position of Commissioner General, he will be the third consecutive head from the Korean National Police University following Min Gap-ryong and Kim Chang-ryong. Yoon has been promoted at an unprecedented pace. In December last year, he was promoted to Commissioner General within less than six months after becoming Senior Commissioner General, and then quickly rose to the top police position. Considering that the recently resigned Commissioner Kim was from the 4th class of the Korean National Police University and former Deputy Commissioner General Jin Gyo-hoon, who served until last month, was from the 5th class, this is expected to be recorded as a case of breaking the seniority order.