How Did Gwangju and Jeonnam Police Score? Mixed Reactions Over 80-Point Average

Gwangju Bar Association Announces 2025 Evaluation Results
Assessment Includes Due Process and Fairness
Some Investigators Still Use Disrespectful and Abusive Language
Gwangsan and Muan Police Stations Selected as Top Performers
Dongbu and Gwangyang Police Stations Remain at the Bottom

Although the adjustment of investigative powers between prosecutors and police has strengthened the authority of the police, it was found that some judicial police officers still have not improved their use of abusive language, overbearing attitudes, and failure to adhere to due process.

On January 22, the Gwangju Regional Bar Association announced the results of the "2025 Judicial Police Evaluation," which was conducted among its member attorneys. A total of 173 lawyers from the Gwangju Bar Association participated in this evaluation, assessing 1,522 investigative cases.

According to the results, the overall average score for police stations in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions was 80.0 points.

By station, Muan Police Station in Jeonnam (88.8 points) and Gwangsan Police Station in Gwangju (83.2 points) were honored as outstanding police stations. In contrast, Dongbu Police Station in Gwangju (77.1 points) and Gwangyang Police Station in Jeonnam (74.5 points) scored below average, ranking in the lower tier.

The Gwangju Bar Association selected 10 outstanding judicial police officers who conducted fair and prompt investigations based on this evaluation.

The list includes: Kim Sehun (Jeonnam Provincial Police Investigation Unit), Kim Younggwang, Kim Husoon, Eom Taein, and Lee Dayoung (Gwangju Seobu Police Station), Kim Seongeun, Park Byungyong, and Lee Yongnam (Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station), Ko Seokryong (Gwangju Bukbu Police Station), and Kang Hang (Gwangju Dongbu Police Station). These officers received high scores of over 95.2 points on average and were praised for accurately identifying key issues and courteously adhering to due process.

However, inappropriate language and investigative practices by some officers were still highlighted as problems.

According to cases submitted by attorneys, one investigator repeatedly referred to a suspect as "You're a gangster," demonstrating personal bias, even though the case was unrelated to any criminal organization. There were also instances where investigators, before verifying the facts, asked suspects about their willingness to apologize based solely on the other party’s demands, indicating a prejudiced approach to investigations.

Numerous procedural issues were also identified. These included ignoring requests to recuse investigators, repeatedly resending cases to prosecutors despite requests for supplementary investigations, and shifting the responsibility of evidence collection onto the complainant.

There were even cases where, although a suspect appeared on the scheduled investigation date, the investigator failed to conduct the investigation due to being on vacation. In another case, when a court-appointed attorney for the victim inquired about the investigation, the investigator openly expressed displeasure.

A representative of the Gwangju Regional Bar Association stated, "There were many suggestions for improvement regarding biased attitudes, the creation of an overbearing atmosphere, and failure to fulfill notification obligations during investigations. However, it is also notable that the overall evaluation scores are steadily increasing, indicating a positive shift in perception."

Meanwhile, the Gwangju Regional Bar Association plans to invite the top three outstanding judicial police officers to the 79th regular general meeting to be held on January 26 to present them with certificates and awards, while the remaining seven will receive certificates separately.