'Police Investigation Reform Committee' Launches Under New Name... Begins with Jang Yunki Case

Investigation Reform TF Holds Kickoff Meeting with a New Name

First Agenda: Jang Yungi Case...Regular Weekly Meetings Scheduled

The Police Investigation Reform Task Force (Investigation Reform TF), established to improve the overall police investigation system, has taken its first step by changing its name to the “Police Investigation Reform Committee for Restoring Public Trust." The committee set its first agenda item as the Jang Yungi case, which was at the center of public mistrust in police investigations.

On July 27, the Investigation Reform Committee held its first meeting at the National Investigation Headquarters of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. During the meeting, participants discussed how the committee should be operated, the composition of its members, and which issues to address. The name was changed to emphasize independence and the importance of the matter, and the committee agreed that not only the Police Agency but also committee members could directly submit issues for review.

The Police Investigation Reform Task Force (Investigation Reform TF), established to improve the overall police investigation system, has taken its first step by changing its name to the "Police Investigation Reform Committee for Restoring Public Trust." Namjun Kim, the chairman (right), answered questions from reporters after the first meeting held on the 27th at the National Investigation Headquarters of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Heejun Jang

The committee plans to hold regular meetings once a week, listening to input from frontline police officers and victim advocacy groups. In order to reflect the perspective of victims, an additional committee member representing victims’ interests will be appointed.

The first agenda item to be addressed at the next meeting is the Jang Yungi case. After receiving an additional briefing on the issues that emerged during the investigation process, the committee will conduct a comprehensive review regarding whether the investigation was inadequate and will examine potential structural problems within the police organization.

Namjun Kim, the committee chair and a lead attorney at the law firm Simin, told reporters after the meeting, “If police powers increase, the risk of corruption and misconduct may also grow. Therefore, oversight and monitoring are crucial,” adding, “We must look for ways to improve investigative efficiency in the short term.”

Concerning raised concerns about “self-reform,” he dismissed them by stating, “Only three internal committee members—excluding the secretary—remain, and we will continue to increase the number of outside members. We will formulate recommendations through independent and fair discussions.”

The committee plans to be active at least until October, by when the Serious Crime Investigation Office is scheduled to launch and the Prosecutors’ Office is set to be abolished. Following that, the committee will also consider methods to check whether the recommendations are being implemented.

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