Acting Police Chief Bows Head Over 'Jang Yunki Case'... "Thorough Investigation Ordered"

Returned Early From US Trip, Cutting Schedule Short by a Day

"We Will Conduct a Thorough Investigation, Leaving No Suspicion Unaddressed"

Yoo Jaesung, Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency, bowed his head in apology over police misconduct and investigative failures revealed during the investigation into Jang Yoonki (23), who murdered a high school girl he did not know. Yoo, who cut short his U.S. visit and returned to Korea early, immediately convened a meeting with the police command and ordered a rigorous investigation and disciplinary inquiry.

On the morning of July 10, during a nationwide police command video conference, Acting Commissioner Yoo stated, "A devastating incident has occurred in which the head of the investigation team at the time was arrested on charges of evidence tampering in relation to the Jang Yoonki case." He added, "As the Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency, I take the concerns and criticism from the public very seriously and offer my deepest apologies."

Yoo Jaesung, Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency, is ordering a rigorous investigation and disciplinary inquiry regarding the Jang Yoonki case during a nationwide police command video conference on the morning of the 10th. National Police Agency

He continued, "We will investigate every aspect raised in this case swiftly and thoroughly, leaving no room for suspicion," emphasizing, "Through the investigation and disciplinary inquiry, all those responsible will be punished to the maximum extent permitted by law and regulations." He also announced the formation of a Special Task Force for Investigative Reform (Investigation Reform TF) to review the police investigation system comprehensively with external experts, and that an Internal Corruption Investigation Unit would be set up immediately under the National Office of Investigation to thoroughly investigate any misconduct or corruption in police investigations nationwide.

He said, "We will listen more attentively to the voices of victims during police investigations and ensure robust democratic oversight with citizen participation," and added, "We will address procedural shortcomings and design comprehensive institutional improvements so that police investigations are carried out more diligently and fairly. We will report back to the public soon."

Yoo had been on a business trip to the United States to attend the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS), but returned a day early. Upon arriving at Incheon International Airport early in the morning, he said, "I am deeply sorry for causing public concern."

In May, Jang Yoonki fatally stabbed a female high school student on a main road in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. During the investigation, the head of the violent crimes team, Inspector A, was found to have destroyed evidence or leaked information and was arrested on charges of evidence tampering. Jang Yoonki's father, who is also an active police inspector, destroyed evidence—such as a sex doll and mobile phone—in his son's apartment, but was not criminally charged due to the special legal exemption for family members under the Criminal Act.

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