Chief Superintendent Ryu Sam-yeong: "When I pointed out the problem, they are pointing at that finger"

Afternoon of the 12th, Police Agency Inspection Investigation... "Will Respond Sincerely"
"Inspection with Reversed Priorities... Will Take Responsibility if Needed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Chief Superintendent Ryu Sam-young, who led the 'National Police Chiefs Meeting' opposing the establishment of the Police Bureau under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, expressed strong dissatisfaction ahead of an internal investigation, calling it "an act that hinders the free decision-making of members within the organization."

On the 12th at around 1:30 PM, Chief Superintendent Ryu visited the Inspection Officer's Office at the Seoul Seodaemun-gu Police Agency to attend the internal investigation at the headquarters. Before the investigation, during a meeting with reporters, Chief Superintendent Ryu strongly opposed, saying, "I pointed out the problem with the establishment of the Police Bureau, but now the finger pointing at the problem is being criticized," and added, "We need to look at what issues exist with the 'establishment of the Police Bureau within the Ministry of the Interior and Safety,' which was hastily and forcibly passed, but the situation has been turned upside down."

Chief Superintendent Ryu stated, "The Police Chiefs Meeting was a righteous act to maintain political neutrality in response to the enactment of a flawed presidential decree that infringed on citizens' human rights and seized police authority," and criticized, "Such intentions were deemed illegal, large-scale inspections were conducted, participants were identified and placed on standby orders, and the issue was escalated."

However, Chief Superintendent Ryu also expressed his intention to sincerely cooperate with the investigation. Nevertheless, he said, "After sincerely responding to the investigation, I will definitely point out the problems regarding the defamation caused by the administrative order that disrupted the meeting and labeled it a coup through criminal judicial procedures," and added, "I will also abolish the internal inspection practices that hinder the decision-making of organizational members through legal battles."

He continued, "I am neither interested in nor afraid of any disciplinary actions that may be taken," and added, "I deeply regret the current behavior that calls to return to the police force of 35 years ago, which was far more shameful compared to now."

Additionally, Chief Superintendent Ryu conveyed his intention to take administrative procedures such as filing complaints related to this incident. He said, "I am not ruling out filing a complaint with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials," and stated, "I do not know who the targets of the complaints will be, but rather than specifying individuals, I will confirm the legitimacy through judicial procedures as soon as those who led unfair acts such as defamation, abuse of authority, and obstruction of business are identified."

Finally, Chief Superintendent Ryu concluded by saying, "The establishment of the Police Bureau, which poses a risk of severely damaging the development of democratic policing, must be immediately stopped and returned to the starting point," and added, "There are talks about disobedience to orders from above, but if there is something I must be held responsible for, I will take responsibility."