Departing Acting Police Commissioner: "Please Recognize the Hardships of Frontline Officers"

Yu Jaeseong Serves as Acting Commissioner General for One Year and Three Months
"Reflect on Our Mistakes, but Recognize Our Hardships and Sacrifices Too"

Yu Jaesung, Acting Commissioner (and Deputy Commissioner) of the National Police Agency, stepped down after serving in his acting role for 1 year and 3 months. In his final remarks, he urged, "Please understand the hardships and struggles of frontline police officers so that the Korean police can perform even better."

Yoo Jaesung, Deputy Commissioner of the National Police Agency, is entering the farewell ceremony held on the 2nd at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

At the departure ceremony held at the National Police Agency’s main hall in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the morning of September 2, Acting Commissioner Yu said, "The new era demands from us clear principles and higher standards," adding, "Unlike other investigative agencies, the police cannot choose their investigations. Therefore, police investigation is not a privilege, but rather a responsibility and a duty." He continued, "The recent spate of incidents and accidents has prompted us to reconsider the very raison d'être of the police," stressing, "We must reflect even more soberly, accept public criticism with humility, and correct our shortcomings without delay."

Yu also made an appeal to the public, saying, "I hope that the difficulties experienced by police officers on the front lines of public safety are understood with warmth." He intended to highlight the hardships faced by officers who are the first to respond to citizens in need of protection, including those attempting suicide, those in psychiatric emergencies, or people with alcohol or drug problems. He went on to say, "Even now, there are many colleagues among us who endure each day while concealing emotional wounds," and noted, "Time and again, officers are sent to new incident scenes even before the trauma of the previous one has healed."

Prior to the ceremony, Yu also met with members of the press and reiterated the struggles of frontline officers. When asked what he regretted most during his tenure, he responded, "Because police are dispatched to every difficult scene, whether it involves death, disputes, or criminal complaints, and are responsible for initial response, there are many challenging aspects. Only mistakes are usually highlighted, so I hope the public and the media will also recognize the difficulties and emotional hardship that frontline officers endure." He added, "Even now, the quality of law enforcement in the Republic of Korea is recognized internationally. If the public acknowledges the efforts and challenges of officers who work quietly for this, and encourages their morale, the Korean police can perform much better than they do now."

Yu Jaesung, Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency, is wiping away tears while listening to a farewell speech at the departure ceremony held on the 2nd at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

He concluded by expressing his gratitude to his colleagues and juniors. "As I fulfill my final responsibility at the end of my 38-year police career, I offer my thanks. I vividly recall each and every one of you—those who turned on the office lights at dawn, refined reports late into the night, and rushed to urgent scenes at a moment’s notice," said Yu. "Although I had to brace myself every single day for the past 1 year and 3 months, all that was accomplished was thanks to the dedication and wisdom of my colleagues," he added.

Yu has been serving as Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency since June last year, making his tenure the longest in police history. With his departure, Kim Jongcheol, who was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the National Police Agency the previous day, will serve as Acting Commissioner beginning on September 3. He is the third acting commissioner since the declaration of martial law, and the commissioner post has remained vacant for 1 year and 9 months.

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