"Police Responsibility Has Grown Heavier": National Office of Investigation Chief Retires, Leaving Post Vacant Following Police Commissioner

Park Sung-joo, the third Chief of the National Office of Investigation, concluded his 37-year police career today (June 30) as he retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.
During the retirement ceremony held at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu this afternoon, Chief Park stated, "Police investigations are currently at a very critical juncture." He added, "Throughout the process of reforming the investigation system, the role and responsibility of police investigations have become much heavier, and the level of expectation from the public has risen accordingly."
He continued, "I ask that the National Office of Investigation remains a guardian of law and order that is stricter on crime and fairer in its investigations."
Although the term for the Chief of the National Office of Investigation is two years, Chief Park, who took office on June 30 of last year, is stepping down after one year as he has reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.
Chief Park cited the launch of the Integrated Response Team for Telecommunications Financial Fraud, the reduction in voice phishing crimes, the large-scale repatriation of Korean suspects from Cambodia, and the launch of the 'Korea Task Force' as his achievements over the past year.
Inside and outside the police force, there is speculation that Chief Park may be among the candidates for the head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, which is scheduled to be launched this October.
However, when asked by reporters about the meaning of the phrase "Cheering for a new start" used by National Police Agency staff, Chief Park drew a line, saying it was "just a customary phrase."
With the position now vacant, Yoo Seung-ryeol, the Investigation Planning and Coordination Officer, will serve as acting chief for the time being.
As the National Office of Investigation chief position is now vacant while the National Police Agency has been under an acting commissioner system for over a year and a half in the aftermath of the emergency martial law situation, follow-up personnel appointments may gain speed.
As there has been no public recruitment announcement for a new chief so far, it is expected that the successor will be selected from within the police force, as was the case with previous chiefs.
The most likely scenarios currently include promoting a sitting police superintendent general to the position or laterally transferring one of the existing senior police superintendents.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.