National Assembly Public Administration Committee Criticizes 'Lax Discipline' at Gyeongnam Police Audit

On October 28, the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee held a national audit of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency.

During the session, there was a flood of criticism regarding incidents such as the death in a patrol car at the Hadong Jingyo Police Substation, the quarry accident in Sacheon, and the loss of confiscated items at the Changwon Seobu Police Station.

The National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee is conducting a national audit of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency. Photo by Lee Seryung

Kwon Chilsung, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, addressed the Hadong patrol car death case, stating, "The woman who died after entering the patrol car was trapped inside for 36 hours, and scheduled patrols were not conducted during this period," adding, "Had the patrols been carried out, the woman would not have died."

Kim Jongcheol, Chief of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, responded, "I feel deeply sorry and regretful."

Yong Hyein, a lawmaker from the Basic Income Party, criticized the handling of the Sacheon quarry incident, saying, "The police treated this case as a simple traffic accident based solely on the statement of the blasting team leader. Not only was the scene not properly preserved, but the remains were not appropriately recovered. The bereaved family had to block the scrapping process and recover the remains themselves. This means the police thoroughly sided with the perpetrator and distorted the truth."

She also called for a reinvestigation and replacement of the investigative team after the police initially investigated the officers handling the quarry accident for dereliction of duty but decided not to refer the case for prosecution.

In response, Chief Kim said, "We will investigate thoroughly to eliminate any doubts and will also consider replacing the investigative team," adding, "I take your comments very seriously."

At the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's National Audit of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, Kim Jongcheol, Chief of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, is responding to questions. Photo by Lee Seryeong

Lee Seongkwon, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, pointed out the loss of confiscated items at the Changwon Seobu Police Station.

Assemblyman Lee explained, "A motorcycle was confiscated from a teenage theft suspect and left outside without a lock due to lack of space. The suspect then stole it again and sold it. After a citizen reported it, the recovered motorcycle was stored in the police substation parking lot, where it was stolen again. The officer in charge at Changwon Seobu Police Station only realized the loss 14 days after the theft. The suspect, who was riding the stolen motorcycle again, fled from the police and was injured in an accident, suffering a cerebral hemorrhage and requiring surgery."

He criticized, "The system for managing confiscated items has completely collapsed," and added, "The police station has become a playground for teenagers."

Chief Kim replied, "We are currently conducting a special inspection of the management of confiscated items at all 23 police stations under the provincial police agency and will complete it as quickly as possible."

Joo Ho-young, another lawmaker from the People Power Party, raised concerns about discipline, saying, "Nineteen people were disciplined at the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency in the eight months up to August this year, and more than half received severe disciplinary actions such as suspension or dismissal. Many of the reasons for discipline included serious offenses such as drunk driving, sexual assault, theft, and special threats."

He continued, "It is unacceptable for police officers, who should be at the forefront of protecting the public, to commit crimes in this manner. While some may face financial hardship if dismissed or fired, this should not be viewed solely as a matter of discipline. Each officer must take personal responsibility to prevent the loss of valuable police resources."

At the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's national audit of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, Lim Youngsoo, Chairman of the Gyeongnam Autonomous Police Committee, is responding to questions. Photo by Lee Seryung

Seo Beomsoo, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, emphasized the need to introduce sobering-up centers for the protection of intoxicated individuals.

Assemblyman Seo stated, "There is not a single sobering-up or protective center for intoxicated individuals in Gyeongnam. Introducing such centers cannot be accomplished by the police alone, as it requires cooperation with various agencies such as fire departments and hospitals. Therefore, the Autonomous Police Committee must take the lead."

He further pointed out, "The Autonomous Police Committee should take the initiative, but it seems to be doing nothing."

Lim Youngsoo, Chairman of the Gyeongnam Autonomous Police Committee, responded, "The committee will take the lead and report on the progress."

Assemblyman Joo also said, "Even in Changwon, which is a densely populated area, there is a need for a sobering-up center. If necessary, demand a strong budget allocation."