野 "Suspicion over Kim Sun-ho's Special Recruitment Process" vs 與 "No Issues During Moon Government Either"

Dispute Over Ministry of the Interior and Safety and National Police Agency Work Report
Calls to Conclude Investigation of Kim Hye-kyung

The full meeting of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee was held on the 18th at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Kim Sun-ho, Director of the Police Bureau at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (left), is returning to his seat after finishing his response. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] On the 18th, during the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and National Police Agency briefing held at the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, the ruling and opposition parties clashed over allegations of informing involving Kim Sun-ho, Director of the Police Bureau at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Kim is a figure accused of being an informant who joined the Incheon-Bucheon Democratic Workers' Association (Innohoe) in 1988 and, while serving as the Bucheon area leader within the organization, reportedly informed on colleagues and, as a reward, entered the police force the following year through a special recruitment as a security sergeant.

Opposition party members from the Democratic Party of Korea questioned Kim about his entry into the police as a counterintelligence agent, probing whether his special recruitment was a reward for his past activities in the Incheon-Bucheon democratic labor union. Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sung-man stated, "Upon reviewing the reason for Kim's special recruitment, it was pursuant to Article 16, Paragraph 4, Subparagraph 4 of the Police Officer Appointment Decree," adding, "It corresponds to the case of appointing a police officer below the rank of sergeant to work as a counterintelligence operative related to counterintelligence operations."

Lee pointed to former Sergeant Hong Seung-sang as being behind Kim's special recruitment. He also raised concerns over Kim referring to former Sergeant Hong as his "life mentor" in an interview with a media outlet. Lee said, "Former Sergeant Hong conducted counterintelligence investigations and was a key figure in resolving the Innohoe (Incheon-Bucheon Democratic Workers' Association) case," and asked, "What kind of assistance did he provide that led to your special recruitment?" Kim denied the allegations, stating, "That is not true."

On the other hand, Park Sung-min of the People Power Party said, "Kim was promoted to Police Commissioner, the pinnacle rank in the police, during the Moon Jae-in administration," and asked, "There must have been rigorous background checks at the Blue House; was there any objection related to Innohoe at that time?" Kim replied, "There was none." Park further questioned, "During the Moon administration, there were extensive efforts to root out deep-rooted evils and thorough investigations; was there really no issue related to Innohoe?" Kim answered, "No."

Park inquired with Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min about the recommendation process for Kim. Minister Lee said, "Among 30 Police Superintendents, we received recommendations for 2 to 3 candidates from the National Police Agency Commissioner," adding, "Kim received excellent evaluations over 30 years and was promoted to Police Commissioner, known as the 'star of the police,' during the Moon administration, so I thought he was trustworthy." When Park asked again, "Did you judge that the personnel screening was sufficient at the time of his promotion to Police Commissioner and thus recommended him?" Minister Lee replied, "Yes."

The ruling and opposition parties also clashed over the government's response during the recent heavy rain disaster. Democratic Party lawmaker Oh Young-hwan questioned Minister Lee, "Do you take pride in having made the best possible response during the heavy rain disaster?" and demanded an apology as the minister in charge of disaster management. Minister Lee responded, "I will consider it." Meanwhile, People Power Party lawmaker Jang Je-won emphasized, "South Korea's climate is currently unpredictable," and stressed, "There must be countermeasures for the worst-case scenarios." He urged, "Please take proactive measures so that the Yoon Seok-yeol administration can be recorded as the government that did best in safety."

Meanwhile, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Woong urged National Police Agency Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun to promptly handle cases related to violations of the Public Official Election Act during the presidential election. During this, Kim criticized the handling of the case involving Kim Hye-kyung, spouse of Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jae-myung, saying, "There are only 14 days left before the statute of limitations expires, but no summons or investigation has been conducted yet," and asked, "Is there any intention to investigate?" Commissioner Yoon stated, "I received a report that the case will be transferred before the statute of limitations expires." Kim responded, "You seem to have excellent capability," and emphasized, "The commissioner must personally oversee cases involving violations of the Public Official Election Act." Commissioner Yoon replied, "I will ensure there are no concerns among the public regarding this matter."