President Lee Jae-myung Says "Overwhelming Majority of Police Are Dedicated, Reputations Tarnished by a Few Bad Apples"

Addressing the issue of police reform, President Lee Jae-myung said, "There are a very few loaches like figures who muddy the well water, and it is regrettable that because of those few, the honor and pride of the majority of diligent police officers are being damaged."

President Lee made the remarks during the 38th Cabinet meeting he presided over at the presidential office today (the 1st), stating, "The vast majority of good-natured police officers are doing their best in their duties."

The encouragement for frontline police officers comes amid growing public distrust toward the police following recent controversies, such as suspicions surrounding the attempted cover-up of the Jang Yoon-gi case and the false closure of a missing person case in Jeju.

President Lee noted, "Although criticism of the police has been mounting recently, the police play a huge role not only in maintaining national order but also in serving the public," adding, "If the majority had been corrupt, incompetent, and irresponsible, the organization could not have survived."

He further remarked, "Even if it seems that there are problems and irresponsibility everywhere, these are a minority, and the overwhelming majority are faithfully playing their roles in their respective positions."

He also mentioned, "In fact, compared to the actual work they do, the police are severely understaffed. The wrongdoings occurring in the field are largely driven by excessive workloads."

President Lee expressed, "I hope that our police officers working hard on the front lines will take heart," and added, "For 'citizens in uniform,' (the holidays) are often a more difficult time. I offer my words of encouragement."

This is interpreted as an encouragement to public officials who must work through the Chuseok holiday without taking a full break.

President Lee subsequently reiterated his encouragement, stating, "Whether it is the Coast Guard, military personnel, or firefighters, everyone is working hard."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.