Police Family, Former Kickboxing National Team Member Among New Police Graduates

On October 24, the Central Police Academy held a graduation ceremony for the 317th class of 2,376 new police officers at the main sports field on its campus in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province.

The 317th graduating class consists of 1,876 men and 500 women. Among the graduates, 2,010 joined through the general recruitment process, while 366 were recruited through the special career track.

According to the Central Police Academy, the new officers completed a nine-month training program that began in February, shifting away from theory-based instruction to practical, field case-based training. This approach was designed to strengthen their ability to respond quickly to real-life situations.

Approximately 9,000 people attended the ceremony, including Yoo Jaeseong, Acting Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, the Chairperson of the National Police Commission, and the families of the graduates.

Among the graduates, Officer Jang Jin-ho (24) received the Presidential Award for achieving the highest overall score. Officer Park Eun-sil (25) was awarded the Prime Minister's Award for second place, and Officer Jeong Eun-gang (22) received the Minister of the Interior and Safety Award for third place.

This graduation ceremony drew attention for the stories of several graduates with unique backgrounds. Officer Jeong Jung-sik (36) was recognized as a "life-sharing police officer" after donating blood 100 times and receiving the Blood Donation Merit Medal from the Korean Red Cross. He has also completed registration as a potential organ and hematopoietic stem cell donor, serving as a role model for others.

Officer Kim Ju-young (29) is a former national representative in kickboxing and Muay Thai. He expressed his determination, saying, "From now on, I will do my best on the front lines to protect society and the safety of the people, not in the ring." Officer Park Ji-hye (36), a former airline cabin crew member, pledged, "I will now become a police officer who safeguards the daily lives of citizens."

Officer Kim Jae-yeon (24) comes from a so-called "police family," with his father, brother, sister, and brother-in-law all serving as police officers. He stated, "Now I, too, will strive to become a true police officer for the people."

In his congratulatory remarks, Acting Commissioner Yoo expressed his deep gratitude and applause for the graduates' hard work over the past nine months, emphasizing, "The first step toward a safer Korea begins with your actions."

Nam Je-hyun, President of the Central Police Academy, conveyed his hopes, saying, "I hope you will become just and responsible police officers who can protect lives and safety anytime, anywhere."