South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has issued a strong call for comprehensive reforms within the police force, highlighting concerns over the potential for it to become the most influential government body in light of significant adjustments to the nation’s criminal justice system. During a Cabinet meeting, President Lee emphasized the necessity for a dedicated body to oversee these reforms and enhance police accountability. He tasked the prime minister’s office with soliciting public feedback and formulating a strategy to establish the proposed oversight body.
The president’s appeal follows the parliament’s approval of revisions to the Criminal Procedure Act, which will strip the prosecution of its investigative powers, thereby granting the police exclusive responsibility for conducting criminal investigations once the changes are enacted. This legislative shift has prompted concerns about the concentration of power within the police force and the need for mechanisms to ensure that such power is wielded responsibly.
President Lee’s remarks also come against the backdrop of public unease regarding recent police conduct in handling public safety incidents, notably the case of a woman who was reported missing on Jeju Island and subsequently found dead. This incident has sparked criticism of police procedures and raised questions about their accountability in ensuring public safety.
Emphasizing that increased authority must go hand in hand with heightened responsibility, President Lee warned of the dangers posed by concentrated power. He called for systemic changes aimed at bolstering police accountability and addressing failures in protecting public safety. His statements reflect a broader concern that without proper checks and balances, the expanded role of the police could lead to significant governance challenges.