Opposition to Police Bureau, Police Officer Demotion Controversy Denied
"Comprehensively Considering Competence and Qualifications"
[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] Yoon Hee-geun, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, recently described the regular transfer of police officers at the superintendent level, which has been internally evaluated as "retaliatory personnel reshuffling," as a "well-considered outcome" on the 6th.
At a regular press briefing that morning, Commissioner Yoon responded to related questions by saying, "With the introduction of the multiple-rank system, 58 superintendent-level positions have increased, necessitating changes from the previous personnel arrangements." He added, "Previously, 135 inspectors were promoted, bringing the number of superintendents close to 800. Among them, 457 were subject to personnel assignments, and as the appointing authority, I comprehensively considered their capabilities, qualifications, public service perspectives, and internal and external evaluations before making decisions." This effectively denied the evaluation of the reshuffle as "retaliatory personnel reshuffling."
When asked whether attendance at the nationwide police chiefs (superintendents) meeting opposing the establishment of the Police Bureau under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in July last year was reflected in this personnel evaluation, Commissioner Yoon avoided a direct answer, stating, "It was judged comprehensively." It has been reported that in the superintendent-level personnel reshuffle conducted on the 2nd, a significant number of superintendents known to have attended the meeting were assigned to so-called "low-profile" positions. Among them, some were reportedly reassigned again within six months of their appointment, intensifying the controversy. Commissioner Yoon said, "There were 457 personnel involved. It is difficult to explain the criteria for each individual."
Ryu Sam-young, a superintendent who led the superintendent meeting and was severely disciplined with a three-month suspension, is scheduled to hold a related press conference on the afternoon of the same day at the Police Memorial Park in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. The press release is known to include criticisms that the personnel reshuffle was retaliatory demotion against attendees of the superintendent meeting, along with concerns arising from it. Superintendent Ryu, who led the meeting, was excluded from this personnel reshuffle as he received a three-month suspension in December last year. When asked about the possibility of additional disciplinary action against Superintendent Ryu, Commissioner Yoon avoided a direct answer, saying, "He is still under the disciplinary period."
Regarding the recent incidents where police left intoxicated citizens unattended, resulting in deaths, Commissioner Yoon said, "We have formed a task force (TF) led by the head of the Headquarters' Public Security Situation Management Division and invited external experts," adding, "We will prepare improvements to the protection measures for intoxicated individuals as soon as possible." He further stated, "It is difficult for the police to handle this alone," and added, "We will discuss this together with local governments, medical, fire, and other related agencies."
When asked about his responsibility related to the Itaewon tragedy, Commissioner Yoon said, "There is nothing more to say as various statements have been made during the national investigation." Previously, the National Police Agency’s Special Investigation Headquarters (Special Investigation Unit), which investigated the Itaewon tragedy, did not even indict Commissioner Yoon, reasoning that safety management of mass gatherings like Halloween events is not the responsibility of the National Police Commissioner. However, the bereaved families of the tragedy argue that Commissioner Yoon is responsible for commanding and supervising the heads of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and police agencies at all levels.
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