[2022 National Audit] Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Inadequate Response to 'Sindang Station Stalking Murder Case' Under Scrutiny

Kim Kwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, is responding to questions from lawmakers during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency held on the 12th at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno-gu.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] On the 12th, during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, the police's inadequate response to the 'Sindang Station Stalking Murder Case' came under scrutiny.

Lee Hyung-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, questioned during the audit, "When the victim of the Sindang Station stalking murder case filed a second complaint against Jeon Ju-hwan in January this year, the 'Risk Alert Assessment Meeting' was not held," adding, "If a meeting had been held to monitor and prepare for Jeon Ju-hwan, would the incident have occurred?" Kim Kwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, responded, "I deeply regret that aspect, as you pointed out."

Previously, at the end of last year, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency conducted a special comprehensive investigation on cases involving socially vulnerable victims under investigation at all police stations in Seoul. Over three weeks, they checked the appropriateness of suspect custody management and victim protection measures, but it was reported that Jeon Ju-hwan was excluded from the measures during this process. Commissioner Kim explained, "It is correct that Jeon Ju-hwan was excluded from the measures at that time," adding, "The first protection period had ended, so he was not included."

Subsequently, Representative Lee criticized, "Is it enough to just prepare countermeasures after the incident occurs?" and asked, "Would you be willing to apologize to the victim's bereaved family here?" Commissioner Kim replied, "I feel deeply sorry." Lee urged, "I hope you respond thoroughly on the ground to prevent similar incidents from recurring."

Yong Hye-in, a member of the Basic Income Party, pointed out, "It seems the police's understanding of stalking crimes is very lacking," and added, "The police need to understand and respond to the characteristics of gender-based violence to prevent repeated loss of life like in the Sindang Station murder case." Yong also asked, "Police Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun said he would actively utilize Provisional Measure No. 4, but in reality, it does not function properly. Are you aware of the reasons for dismissals?" Commissioner Kim answered, "It is understood that most are significantly influenced by requests not to punish."

Jeon Bong-min, a member of the People Power Party, also expressed regret over the police response to stalking cases. He asked, "As of September, there have been about 3,700 Risk Alert Assessment Meetings held, with 158 cases classified as severe. How are these being managed?" Commissioner Kim stated, "When a case reaches the severe stage, provisional measures are requested and victim protection measures are activated. While there may be shortcomings, the frontline officers are doing their best."