Minister of the Interior and Safety Recommends Jo Ji-ho as New Commissioner of the National Police Agency

Investigation Controversy of Chaesangbyeong Case "I Will Address It in the National Assembly"

Minister of the Interior and Safety Sang-min Lee announced on the 17th that he has recommended Jo Ji-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, as a candidate for Commissioner General of the National Police Agency.

Cho Ji-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. [Image source=Yonhap News]

At a briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex in the afternoon, Minister Lee said, "Commissioner Jo has been recognized both domestically and internationally for his outstanding planning skills and ability to carry out tasks, having extensive experience in on-site security as well as in policy oversight functions such as planning, personnel, and intelligence." He added, "He also possesses the ability to collaborate and coordinate between ministries and has a macro perspective on overall security policies."

Minister Lee emphasized, "Based on his rich experience and organizational management skills, he is judged to be the right person to faithfully carry out the police mission of protecting the lives, bodies, and property of the people and maintaining public peace and order."

Commissioner Jo graduated from the 6th class of the Korean National Police University and has served as Chief of the Seocho Police Station in Seoul, Director of the Public Safety and Information Bureau of the National Police Agency, and Deputy Commissioner General of the National Police Agency. During President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol’s transition period, he was dispatched to the Presidential Transition Committee and was in charge of personnel verification.

The Commissioner General of the National Police Agency is appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Minister of the Interior and Safety, with the consent of the Police Commission and after passing through the Prime Minister. Although the Commissioner General holds a vice-ministerial rank, the appointment requires a confirmation hearing by the National Assembly.

When meeting with reporters on the same day, Commissioner Jo responded to controversies regarding the investigation results of the Chae Sang-byeong case by saying, “It does not seem appropriate to respond to individual matters,” and added, “I will explain fully during the National Assembly confirmation hearing.”

Commissioner Jo stated, “Several committee members asked sufficient questions about major issues, and I answered sincerely with a responsible attitude,” and added, “I specifically discussed measures against organized crimes such as malicious fraud, drugs, and gambling.”