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🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

New National Investigation Chief Hong Seok-ki: 'Critical period' for criminal justice reform

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Hong Seok-ki has been appointed as the new head of the National Investigation Headquarters (NIH), emphasizing a critical period of reform for the criminal justice system.
  • He highlighted the evolving nature of crime, including cross-border offenses, and the impending systemic changes as reasons for heightened vigilance.
  • Hong urged investigators to maintain their core duties of ensuring safety and upholding the rule of law, while also addressing concerns about potential investigative gaps following proposed changes to prosecutorial powers.

Hong Seok-ki, the newly appointed head of South Korea's National Investigation Headquarters (NIH), has stressed the critical importance of the investigative police force during a period of significant reform for the nation's criminal justice system. In his first national investigative leaders' meeting, held via video conference, Hong stated, "We are facing a period more critical than ever as we approach major reforms to the criminal justice system."

We are facing a period more critical than ever as we approach major reforms to the criminal justice system.

— Hong Seok-kiDescribing the current period of reform for the criminal justice system.

He acknowledged the increasingly sophisticated and transnational nature of criminal activities, noting, "The patterns and methods of crime today are becoming more advanced and crossing borders. Coupled with the major reforms ahead for the criminal justice system, this is a time that demands extreme caution." Hong emphasized that in such times, "the fundamental role of investigative police in safeguarding daily safety and upholding the rule of law must not be neglected in the slightest."

Hong's remarks implicitly addressed concerns about potential investigative gaps arising from proposed changes to the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights. While not directly detailing the reforms, he urged investigators to respond sternly to crimes threatening public safety, such as phishing and drug offenses. He also stressed the importance of conducting investigations fairly according to laws and procedures, while ensuring comprehensive protection for victims.

The patterns and methods of crime today are becoming more advanced and crossing borders. Coupled with the major reforms ahead for the criminal justice system, this is a time that demands extreme caution.

— Hong Seok-kiHighlighting the evolving nature of crime and the significance of upcoming reforms.

As the 4th head of the NIH, Hong, who officially assumed the post on July 3, will lead national investigative units and oversee major case investigations and investigative policies for a two-year term. A veteran with extensive experience in investigations and planning, his career includes roles such as head of Seodaemun Police Station in Seoul, head of the Traffic Planning Division at the National Police Agency, and chief of the Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency. Prior to his current appointment, he served as the Director of Cyber Investigation at the NIH.

The fundamental role of investigative police in safeguarding daily safety and upholding the rule of law must not be neglected in the slightest.

— Hong Seok-kiEmphasizing the core responsibilities of investigative police during a period of change.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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