Police with New Chief Take 'First Step' Toward Organizational Stabilization... Persistent Challenges Remain

New Police Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun is performing the national salute with participants at the nationwide police video conference held at the Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Yoon Hee-geun, appointed as the first head of public safety under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, faced the urgent task of stabilizing the organizational atmosphere after taking office. This involved calming the internal turmoil experienced during the establishment of the Police Bureau under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. On the 12th, this effort took its first step. The National Police Agency summoned Chief Superintendent Ryu Sam-yeong, who led the nationwide police chiefs' meeting opposing the establishment of the Police Bureau, for an internal investigation.

The Police Agency's Audit Office issued a statement that afternoon explaining the investigation of Chief Superintendent Ryu as "an inquiry into the violation of a duty order by refusing the dissolution order from the acting Police Commissioner, conveyed through the Human Resources Development Institute director on the day of the chiefs' meeting, and not relaying it to the attendees." It added, "Since it is unreasonable to apply the violation of the duty order to other attendees who did not receive the order, we recommended to the Police Commissioner to 'drop the matter,' and Chief Superintendent Ryu will be held appropriately accountable through procedures such as the Civilian Inspection Committee and the Disciplinary Committee."

This could also be interpreted as a move to minimize disciplinary actions related to the nationwide police chiefs' meeting. Earlier, the Police Agency had initiated investigations and warned of disciplinary measures against 55 other chief superintendents who attended the meeting besides Ryu, but since they did not receive the dissolution order, the agency clarified its stance not to hold them responsible. Ultimately, the nationwide police chiefs' meeting incident is expected to conclude with disciplinary action only against the leading Chief Superintendent Ryu.

Ryu Sam-young, Superintendent General who has publicly opposed the establishment of the Police Bureau under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, is answering questions from the press in front of the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 12th as he visits for an internal investigation. [Image source=Yonhap News]

This approach by the Police Agency can be seen as a strategic move to stabilize the organization. It aligns with Commissioner Yoon’s inaugural remarks promising unity. Earlier, in his first nationwide police video conference on the 11th after taking office, Commissioner Yoon said, "I apologize for causing concern due to recent controversies regarding police system reforms," and added, "Like the ground hardening after rain, we will become more united through this experience."

Although the internal conflict over the establishment of the Police Bureau seems to be settling, many pressing issues remain. The whistleblowing allegations against Police Bureau Director Kim Soon-ho are particularly troublesome. Director Kim denied the claims, stating, "Some factions are trying to frame me as an informant," but the controversy surrounding him has yet to subside. On his first day in office, Commissioner Yoon stepped back when asked by reporters whether Kim’s dispatch would be reconsidered, responding, "That is a matter decided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety."

The issue of investigative neutrality, raised during Commissioner Yoon’s confirmation hearing, also remains a challenge. During the hearing, opposition parties emphasized the importance of neutrality in investigations but criticized the ongoing investigation related to Lee Jae-myung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, accusing it of being a "fishing expedition." Multiple investigations concerning Lee are currently underway at the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency. Commissioner Yoon stated, "I will ensure that investigations proceed according to law and principles without political considerations." The Gyeonggi Nambu Police Agency has announced plans to conclude some cases related to Lee within this month.