President orders police reform amid discipline and accountability concerns

President Lee Jae-myung has ordered a sweeping reform of the police system, citing "serious problems" with lax discipline and irresponsibility. The directive comes in response to a series of recent incidents, including botched investigations and the mishandling of a high-profile missing person case, which have fueled public criticism of the police.

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Recently, the issue of lax discipline within the police and irresponsibility in public security matters has emerged as a quite serious problem.

During a State Council meeting, President Lee acknowledged that the large size of the police force can lead to various issues. However, he stressed the need for systemic improvements to address these problems. "The police will likely wield the greatest power among state agencies going forward," Lee stated. "I have doubts about whether they can fully fulfill such significant authority and responsibility. I want you to consider the establishment of a police reform committee and devise plans through broad public consultation."

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The police will likely wield the greatest power among state agencies going forward. I have doubts about whether they can fully fulfill such significant authority and responsibility.

The President's directive was issued amidst growing public scrutiny, particularly after the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act expanded police investigative powers. The mishandling of the disappearance of Jang Mi-ran and the subsequent alleged false closure of the case have intensified calls for accountability.

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This incident must not be allowed to escalate into public anxiety and distrust regarding the new criminal justice system.

Echoing the President's concerns, the ruling Democratic Party also urged the police to reform and reflect on their actions. Han Byung-do, the party's floor leader, specifically mentioned the Jang Mi-ran case, vowing to prevent it from undermining public trust in the new criminal justice system. The Democratic Party has established a police reform promotion committee, led by lawmaker Kim Nam-hee, to address these issues. In response to the scandal, the National Police Agency has placed four senior officials from the Jeju Western Police Station, including former chiefs and the head of the missing persons unit, on administrative leave pending an investigation.

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The police are now standing at a final test to see if they can regain public trust. Reveal the full details of the false closure, including command and supervision responsibilities, punish those involved severely, and present a fundamental reform plan that the public can accept.