Hwang Un-ha publicly reveals he rejected vetting for first major-crimes agency chief

Hwang Un-ha has turned down the chance to be considered as the first chief of South Korea’s Major Crimes Investigation Agency, saying his age could prevent him from completing the post’s two-year term.

Hwang, a Rebuilding Korea Party lawmaker, disclosed the decision on Facebook on the 30th and posted a form confirming that he did not consent to personnel vetting. He said the Ministry of the Interior and Safety called him on the 28th to say he had been included among candidates recommended by the public and to ask whether he would agree to screening.

He said he briefly considered the request before responding that he would not consent. The ministry had established a recommendation committee on the 19th and accepted public nominations through the 26th.

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The first chief should serve the full two-year term and work to establish the Major Crimes Investigation Agency.

Hwang said the biggest reason for his refusal was his age. At 64, he said he could reach the mandatory retirement age of 65 before completing the agency chief’s two-year term. “The first chief should serve the full two-year term and work to establish the agency,” he said, adding that other candidates were better suited to do so.

The Major Crimes Investigation Agency is due to open on October 2 as the prosecution service is abolished. Hwang said he would help ensure that a suitable inaugural chief is appointed and successfully carries out the mission.

A first-generation graduate of the Korean National Police University, Hwang previously led the Ulsan and Daejeon metropolitan police agencies. He won election to the 21st and 22nd National Assemblies and has served as parliamentary floor leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party.

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I judged that it would be best to leave the candidate pool altogether.