"Considerable Volume"... Seoul Police Chief Took Three Days to Respond to Special Inspection Team's Inquiry

After In-Person Meeting on the 11th, Response Submitted on the 14th
Completion Report Spans Dozens of A4 Pages
Some Raise Concerns Over Possible Written Submission Privileges

Kim Kwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] It was revealed on the 29th that the questionnaire handed to Kim Kwang-ho, Chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, during the face-to-face investigation by the Police Agency’s Special Inspection Team was so extensive that it took three days to write and submit the answers.

According to a comprehensive report by this outlet, the Special Inspection Team conducted a face-to-face inquiry with Chief Kim on the 11th regarding the response to the Itaewon disaster. It is said that it took several hours just to explain the questions to Chief Kim at that time, indicating the large number of questions. The Special Inspection Team’s inquiries reportedly included the timing when the disaster was first recognized and reported, the response immediately after the disaster, and whether there was a request from former Yongsan Police Station Chief Lee Im-jae and others to deploy riot police ahead of the Halloween festival.

The Special Inspection Team received a written response from Chief Kim three days after the face-to-face investigation, on the 14th. The completed inspection report by Chief Kim reportedly amounted to several dozen pages of A4 paper. A Special Inspection Team official said, "The length did not reach 100 pages." The Special Inspection Team handed over the inspection materials, including the report, to the Police Agency’s Special Investigation Headquarters (Special Investigation Unit) on the 28th. A Special Inspection Team official stated, "Because the volume was enormous and we had to cross-check it with testimonies from related investigators such as former Chief Lee, it took two weeks to hand it over to the Special Investigation Unit."

Some raise suspicions that the series of inspection processes, which took the form of written investigations, might be a preferential treatment for the Seoul Chief, who is considered the second-in-command within the police organization. There are also claims that the report should have been created through direct interrogation. However, the Special Inspection Team explained that it is common practice in inspections to receive answers in writing. Another police official said, "Even regular police officers submit written responses if that is the standard," adding, "Considering the position of the Seoul Chief, it seems the Special Inspection Team provided convenience within the 'possible scope.'"

Chief Kim has faced criticism for neglecting security and policing responsibilities before and after the Halloween disaster. Although the Special Inspection Team handed over the inspection materials to the Special Investigation Unit, they decided not to request a separate investigation, considering that related investigations are already underway. The Special Investigation Unit is reviewing the possibility of summoning Chief Kim independently of the Special Inspection Team’s request. A Special Investigation Unit official said, "Once investigations of related personnel, including employees under the Seoul Chief, are completed, we plan to summon and investigate him as soon as possible." There is also a possibility that Chief Kim’s legal status may change from a witness to a suspect during the summons process.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Police Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun was effectively excluded from the inspection. A police official said, "Since the Special Inspection Team is under the command and supervision of the Police Commissioner, it should be considered that there is no inspection authority over the Commissioner." However, there remains a possibility that Commissioner Yoon could face judicial action depending on the progress of the Special Investigation Unit’s investigation. On the day of the Itaewon disaster, he was sleeping at a local camping site accommodation and did not check calls or text messages from the Police Agency’s Situation Officer.