Yangpyeong Police Station Holds Solemn Retirement Ceremony for First Half of 2025 Retirees

Three Police Officers, Including Detective Sergeant Byungjung Kwon,
Conclude Decades of Dedicated Service
Honored with Presidential Order, Prime Minister’s Award,
and 48 Commendations

Yangpyeong Police Station in Gyeonggi Province (Chief Hwang Kyujeong) held a grand retirement ceremony for employees reaching the mandatory retirement age for the first half of 2025 at the Yangpyeong Culture Center on June 27.

At the retirement ceremony, Hwang Kyujeong, chief of Yangpyeong Police Station, said, "I deeply appreciate the dedication of the three individuals who have devoted their lives to walking the path of the police and ensuring the safety of the people." Photo by Kwon Byunggeon

This event was organized to express gratitude and respect for three retirees who have dedicated many years to public service in the police: Detective Sergeant Byungjung Kwon, Administrator Kim Geumok, and Detective Sergeant Yang Seongyong.

More than 100 people attended the ceremony, including Chief Hwang Kyujeong, the president of the Yangpyeong Police Alumni Association, department heads, precinct chiefs, fellow police officers, family members, and friends, warmly sending off the retirees as they took their final steps in service.

The ceremony began with the national pledge, followed by the presentation of plaques of appreciation and service awards, delivery of letters of gratitude to spouses, commemorative photography, farewell speeches, and retirement addresses. The event concluded on a moving note, accompanied by applause and a sense of bittersweet farewell from the attendees.

The most notable figure of the day was Detective Sergeant Byungjung Kwon. He began his career as a police officer on December 12, 1989, at Taereung Police Station under the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and over the past 36 years, he has devoted himself to protecting the lives and safety of citizens across the country.

In particular, at Yangpyeong Police Station, he held key positions such as chief of the Yanggeun precinct, making significant contributions to improving local public safety.

During his police career, Detective Sergeant Kwon built a reputation as an exemplary public servant both within and outside the organization, receiving a total of 48 commendations, including a Prime Minister's Award. In his retirement address, he said, "It has been a great honor to live my life for 36 years with the mission of being a police officer. I sincerely thank my colleagues who quietly fulfill their responsibilities in the field, and I will continue to support you all in the future."

He went on to say, "I am grateful to my family who have always been a source of strength by my side, and to my colleagues who have been with me. I wish everyone health and happiness."

At the retirement ceremony, Hwang Kyujeong, chief of Yangpyeong Police Station, said, "I deeply appreciate the hard work of the three individuals who have devoted their lives to walking the path of the police and ensuring the safety of the people. Although you are taking off your uniforms, your connection as part of the police family will continue, and I wish you a healthy and fulfilling second chapter in life."

Administrator Kim Geumok, who also retired that day, has been a steadfast pillar of police administration through her diligent and dedicated attitude. Detective Sergeant Yang Seongyong has likewise been recognized for his outstanding role in community-based public safety activities.

Yangpyeong Police Station holds retirement ceremonies every year for those reaching the mandatory retirement age, aiming to uphold the traditions and spirit of the police organization, and to boost morale and foster a sense of belonging among officers. This year’s ceremony once again served as a meaningful occasion to reaffirm the strong bonds and pride of the police family community.

Major career and awards of Detective Sergeant Byungjung Kwon: Appointed as a police officer at Taereung Police Station, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, on December 12, 1989; served as chief of Yanggeun precinct at Yangpyeong Police Station; received a total of 48 commendations, including a Presidential Order and Medal, and the Prime Minister’s Award; led crime prevention and community-oriented policing activities in the local community.

Detective Sergeant Byungjung Kwon, who is retiring, expressed gratitude to his family who have always been a source of strength by his side, as well as to his colleagues who have been with him. He conveyed his wishes for everyone's health and happiness. Photo by Byunggun Kwon