Four promoted to Deputy Commissioner General, considered candidates for National Police Agency chief

South Korea's police force has seen a significant promotion, with four individuals elevated to the rank of "Chi-an-jeong-gam" (Deputy Commissioner General). This move effectively positions them as key candidates for the forthcoming appointment of the National Police Agency Commissioner. The promotions were announced on August 12th.

This development is particularly noteworthy as the National Police Agency has been operating without a permanent chief for over a year, since June 30th of the previous year. Currently, the deputy commissioner is serving as the acting commissioner. The "Chi-an-jeong-gam" rank is the second highest in the police hierarchy, directly below the Commissioner General.

The newly promoted officials are Yoo Seung-ryeol, currently the Director of Investigative Planning and Coordination at the National Investigation Headquarters; Ko Beom-seok, former head of the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency; Kim Jong-cheol, head of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency; and Ko Pyeong-ki, head of the Jeju Provincial Police Agency. Each brings a unique set of experiences from various roles within the police force.

In addition to these four, nine individuals were also promoted to the rank of "Chi-an-gam" (Superintendent General), a high-ranking position typically held by provincial police chiefs. These promotions signal a reshuffling and advancement within the senior ranks of the South Korean police service.