Police Investigation Reform Committee to Review Institutional Improvements After Announcement of Jang Yoon-gi Case Results

Report on Eight Tasks Including Improvements to Personnel Rotation and Anti-Nepotism Policies

The "Police Investigation Reform Committee for Enhancing Public Trust" (Investigation Reform Committee) has decided to review whether there were any investigative shortcomings in the Jang Yoon-gi case after the facts are officially established and subsequently consider possible institutional improvements based on those findings.

On August 3, the Investigation Reform Committee held its second meeting at the Seoul Seodaemun-gu Police Agency, where discussions included the Jang Yoon-gi case and tasks related to police system improvements. After the meeting, the committee briefed the press on these points.

Namjun Kim, chair of the Investigation Reform Committee, stated, "It appears that there are not many discrepancies between what has been reported in the media and the actual facts. However, since the investigation is ongoing and the facts have yet to be confirmed, we have decided to receive an additional report once the details become more certain and then review potential institutional reforms."

The term "establishment of facts" in this context does not mean simply the indictment of a particular suspect or a first-instance ruling, but rather the point at which the results of a comprehensive investigation into all involved parties are officially announced.

Attorney Namjun Kim, chair of the Reform Task Force (TF) for Enhancing Trust in Police Investigations, is presiding over the "Police Investigation Reform Committee Meeting for Enhancing Public Trust" on the 3rd at the Seoul Seodaemun-gu Police Agency. Photo by Yonhap News.

On this day, the Investigation Reform Committee also received a report from the National Police Agency on eight proposed institutional improvement tasks. The proposals include: ▲Improving the police personnel rotation system ▲Reforming the anti-nepotism policy regarding spouses and direct relatives ▲Strengthening internal controls, including the prohibition of private inquiries and personal contact regarding cases ▲Establishing a new Internal Corruption Investigation Unit under the National Police Agency ▲Enhancing protections for crime victims ▲Operating subcommittees dedicated to investigating cases involving women and youth under the Investigation Review Committee ▲Strengthening an evidence-centered investigative system ▲Addressing the need to transfer the forensic analysis function from the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office to the police.

The committee received an overview of each task and conducted a round of questions and basic discussion, agreeing that each item would be discussed further in-depth at future meetings. It was also explained that while these agenda items were initially proposed by the National Police Agency, committee members will be able to propose new topics for discussion in the future.

The Investigation Reform Committee outlined two main reform directions heading forward: strengthening controls over police powers and bolstering investigative capabilities. Chair Kim stated, "Given that a corruption case has occurred, control over police authority must be strengthened. At the same time, as the police will be the primary agency in charge of all cases, improving investigative skills and the quality of investigations is also a critical objective."

He added, "While the police have performed relatively well in responding to violent crimes, there is a need for improvement in the areas of economic, corruption, and property crimes. It is essential to strengthen capacity in these areas."

The committee also received a report on disciplinary actions against police officers and plans to use this data, including an analysis of reasons for disciplinary measures by rank, as foundational material for comprehensive institutional reform recommendations that take working conditions into account.

The next meeting will focus on protecting crime victims as a primary agenda item. On August 6, a meeting with victim support groups is also scheduled.

Meanwhile, to incorporate victims' perspectives in the reform process, the committee has added Song Ranhee, Executive Director of Korea Women's Hotline, as an outside member. The committee also announced that it is considering appointing an additional committee member with a prosecutorial background, but this is yet to be finalized.

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