Hong Seok-ki, Head of the National Office of Investigation, addressed concerns regarding potential "protecting our own" behavior by the internal corruption investigation unit directly under the Office's control—set to launch soon—during a regular press briefing today (August 3), stating, "It is a criticism that can naturally be raised."

He explained, "That issue is planned to be discussed in depth by the Police Investigation Reform Committee," adding, "We will come up with good plans to ensure supplementary measures, such as enabling the Serious Crime Investigation Agency to investigate illegal acts committed by officials belonging to the National Police Agency."

Head Hong also stated, "We are analyzing the results of the full inspection into cases involving police families," and "We are comprehensively analyzing the action taken by provincial and municipal police agencies to review and ensure they are well-established in training and other areas."

Regarding suspicions that there was an attempt to downplay the Jang Yoon-ki case at the National Office of Investigation level, he said, "We had to send and detain the murder case within the limited detention period."

He continued, "There was a consideration as to whether a case constituting a separate offense should be investigated thoroughly by the Women and Youth Division, and I understand that instructions were given for that reason."

He added that it is difficult to disclose details as the investigation is currently underway.

Furthermore, addressing the controversy over the integrated or separate investigations by the Criminal Division and the Women and Youth Division related to this case, he stated, "The system for dividing criminal and women-and-youth investigations has already been established and operated," and "Prior to this case, the advantages of the system were well-maintained. Taking those aspects into account, we are reviewing the matter comprehensively."

Regarding the National Police Agency's Women and Youth Safety Bureau scheduled to launch soon, he said, "This is an organizational reorganization that considers the scope of duties and command," adding, "We will review it thoroughly so that policies and investigations can be linked more closely and create a virtuous cycle."