Democratic Party Launches Police Reform Task Force...Namhee Kim Appointed as Head

Measures in Response to Poor Handling of Jeju Disappearance

Task Force to Consist of Around 10 Members

The Democratic Party of Korea announced on the 25th that it has established a Police Reform Task Force and appointed Democratic Party lawmaker Namhee Kim as its head. This move comes in response to growing criticism of the police's inadequate handling of recent incidents, including the Jeju disappearance case and the Jang Yoonki case.

In a notice released the same day, the Democratic Party stated, "Assemblywoman Kim, a former lawyer, is seen as the right person to develop a police reform agenda that reflects the specific perspectives of women in their 20s and 30s and victims, and is not swayed by vested interests."

Democratic Party lawmaker Namhee Kim questioning at the plenary meeting of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee. Photo by Yonhap News

The task force will consist of approximately ten members, about half of whom will be recruited from outside the party. Appointments will be made by party leader Minseok Kim based on recommendations from Assemblywoman Kim and Secretary-General Jeonge Hae Han.

External committee members are expected to include experts, civil society figures, and representatives of victims. Lawmakers within the party who have police backgrounds will serve as advisory members.

The Democratic Party pledged, "We will promptly reach a well-considered reform plan that is not bound by vested interests, strikes an appropriate balance for system stability, and is based solely on the perspective of the public."

Floor leader Byungdo Han stated at the party’s policy meeting that day, "Jang Miran, who went missing in Jeju, was ultimately found dead. I extend my condolences," adding, "There is no reason for the existence of a police force that fails to earn the public’s trust." He further said, "We will develop a comprehensive plan to overhaul the police organization and remain fully accountable until we establish an investigative system that the public can trust."

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