National Office of Investigation Reviews 90,000 Long-term Cases... 139 Reported for Audit

A Total of 88,509 Cases Inspected
Long-Term Cases Reduced by 41%

As a result of intensified inspections of investigation departments, the police have reduced long-term cases by more than 40%.

The National Office of Investigation of the National Police Agency announced on June 7, 2026, that it is focusing on improving the quality of investigations, including conducting regular guidance and inspections of investigation departments at 201 provincial and local police stations nationwide from March to April this year. The National Office of Investigation stated that it provides ongoing supervision of investigation examiners belonging to the Investigation Review Divisions of provincial headquarters, and regularly visits police stations to inspect cases exceeding six months, cases closed before formal charges (preliminary investigations), and unsolved cases under management.

National Police Agency, Seoul Seodaemun-gu. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

After inspecting 5,089 ongoing cases, there were 335 instances of individual case guidance and consultation, 512 on-site corrections, and 131 notifications to investigative audit. For 83,420 closed cases, there were 101 instructions for reopening or reinvestigation, 2,030 on-site corrections, and 8 notifications to investigative audit. By focusing on long-term requests and demands that had been pending for more than six months, the number of such cases decreased by approximately 41.3%, from 1,347 at the end of March to 791 at the end of April this year.

The National Office of Investigation emphasized that it has strengthened its practical case management support system by not only conducting inspections aimed at identifying issues but also providing specific guidance and consultation for cases facing difficulties in the investigation process.

A representative from the National Office of Investigation stated, "Ongoing supervision and inspection are not just post hoc checks, but a preventive management system that supports cases being handled promptly and properly from the public's perspective," adding, "In June and July, we plan to conduct a joint comprehensive inspection of all investigation departments to identify and address vulnerable areas, such as investigative misconduct and shortcomings, which are of significant concern."

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