Unprecedented Demotion of Commissioner General... Severe Disciplinary Action for Senior Police Involved in Martial Law

Kim Junyoung, Former Gyeonggi Nambu Police Chief, Demoted to Senior Superintendent General

A Total of 22 Disciplined: 16 Severe, 6 Minor Penalties

Sixteen high-ranking police officers involved in the martial law situation under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration have received severe disciplinary action. For the first time ever, an officer at the rank of Senior Superintendent General—the second-highest position in the police hierarchy—has been demoted.

According to police on June 15, the Central Disciplinary Committee under the Office of the Prime Minister recently decided on disciplinary measures for 22 police officials: two were dismissed, four demoted, ten suspended, and six received pay cuts. Previously, in February this year, the National Police Agency’s Task Force for Government Innovation and Respect for the Constitution had requested the Central Disciplinary Committee to impose severe disciplinary action on 16 individuals and lighter measures on 6 others.

The symbolic stone in front of the National Assembly Main Building in Yeouido, Seoul is lit up. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

As a result of these actions, former Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Commissioner Kim Junyoung was demoted from Senior Superintendent General to Superintendent General. This marks the first time such a demotion has occurred at this rank. Former Chungnam Provincial Police Commissioner Lim Jeongjoo and former Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Commissioner Oh Bumyoung were dismissed from their posts. At the time of martial law, Lim served as Head of the Security Bureau at police headquarters, while Oh was Deputy Chief of Public Safety at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

The Special Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency has referred these three individuals for prosecution on charges of participating in key insurrection duties and abuse of authority. The charges stem from allegations that, immediately after the declaration of martial law in December 2024, they restricted access to the National Assembly and allowed martial law troops to enter the Assembly premises.

In addition, former Seoul Metropolitan Police Security Chief Joo Jinwoo and former Yeongdeungpo Police Station Chief Kang Sangmoon were demoted. Kim Moonyeong, Head of Public Safety at Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police, and the riot squad commander who was deployed to the National Assembly have also had their suspension decisions finalized.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.