[New Year's Address] Acting Commissioner General Yoo Jaesung: "Police Activities Must Be Grounded in the Constitution and Human Rights"

Yoo Jaesung, Acting Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, stated, "Every aspect of police activities must be grounded in the clear standards of the Constitution and human rights," adding, "The voices of the people should be the starting point for police activities and the standard for all policy directions."

Yonhap News

In his '2026 New Year's Address' on December 31, Acting Commissioner General Yoo reflected on the past year, saying, "Our police force has gone through a period of grave trials, including the illegal 12·3 Martial Law and the impeachment of the sitting Commissioner General, which led to deep introspection and self-reflection." He continued, "In this process, the dedication of colleagues who stepped forward for the people and responded to every call for help has gradually restored public trust in the police."

He cited the reduction in voice phishing damages as a key achievement, stating, "What was once considered nearly impossible has become a reality, as we have reduced the amount of damages and, through international cooperation, apprehended masterminds overseas." He also noted, "By supporting the successful hosting of the 2025 Gyeongju APEC Summit, we have demonstrated the excellence of K-Police to the world."

Acting Commissioner General Yoo defined 2026 as "the year to be reborn as the true police of the people," emphasizing, "As the state that citizens encounter first, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the judgment and actions of the police become the face of the nation."

Regarding measures to strengthen the political neutrality and democratic oversight of the police, he mentioned plans to enhance the authority and status of the National Police Commission, saying, "We will push forward without delay."

Looking ahead to the complete separation of investigation and prosecution in 2026, Acting Commissioner General Yoo said, "The public is asking whether police investigations can be trusted," and stressed, "We must enhance the professionalism and speed of investigations until the public is satisfied, and increase fairness and accountability until the public feels secure."

On the subject of the autonomous police system, he stated, "We will design it in a way that improves people's lives, based on the voices of the public and those on the front lines." Regarding the improvement of working conditions for field officers, he added, "We will rationally improve night and shift work, expand support for the physical and mental health of police officers, and plan and implement policies centered on the field."

As for public safety issues, Acting Commissioner General Yoo stressed the need to eradicate the criminal ecosystem of voice phishing, drug-related crimes, and other crimes affecting daily life, by "responding with full force throughout the entire process of prevention, investigation, apprehension, international cooperation, and confiscation of criminal proceeds." He also urged, regarding relationship-based crimes such as stalking and crimes against children, "Please pay close attention and take action, even to the extent that it may seem excessive."

Additionally, he mentioned the need to establish a pedestrian-centered traffic culture, advance crime prevention activities focused on high-risk repeat offenders, strengthen community policing cooperation, respond strictly to acts that disrupt social order such as hate rallies, industrial accidents, and the spread of false information, and utilize advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in policing.

Acting Commissioner General Yoo concluded, "If we do our best even in small matters, we can change the world," and added, "If we sincerely engage with every citizen and handle even minor civil complaints with care, the public will respond with trust and support."