President Lee Jae-myung Calls for Reflection on Police Reform Body Amid Lapses in Discipline

President Lee Jae-myung stated today (the 25th), "It appears that the police will wield the greatest power among state institutions moving forward, and public concern regarding this is very high," adding, "I ask that you ponder how to reform the police in the future and consider establishing a police reform body."

Presiding over a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House that day, President Lee instructed, "The Prime Minister's Office should devise a plan (on how to form the police reform body) through a broad collection of public opinions."

President Lee pointed out, "Recently, serious issues have emerged regarding lax discipline within the police and irresponsible behavior in public safety incidents."

This is interpreted as a reference to recent controversies drawing daily criticism over inappropriate conduct by police during investigations, such as the "Jang Yoon-gi case" and the "Jang Mi-ran disappearance case."

President Lee remarked, "In fact, police issues are not problems of just yesterday or today. There is a saying that a tree with many branches has no quiet days, and given the sheer number of police officers, such problems can arise."

He continued, "Efforts to minimize these problems must continue unceasingly, and there is a need to overhaul the system," asking rhetorically, "Since the police are a vital state organization built on strict top-down hierarchy, command responsibility is paramount. If it ends with reprimanding frontline staff, why would a command structure even be necessary?"

He went on to emphasize repeatedly, "If one has the authority to command, one must naturally bear responsibility commensurate with that power. Only then can organizational management be properly maintained during normal times," adding, "Power always causes greater problems when concentrated. We must strengthen accountability to match the magnitude of that authority."
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.