Goh Beomseok Inaugurated as Seoul Police Chief: "Not Making Mistakes Comes Before Doing Well"

Emphasizing Greater Police Responsibility Ahead of Separation of Investigative and Prosecutorial Powers

"Adhering to Principles and Finding Answers in the Field"

Goh Beomseok, the newly appointed Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, emphasized that as police responsibilities grow in response to upcoming changes in the criminal justice system—such as the separation of investigation and prosecution—it is more important to adhere to the basics and principles than to pursue flashy achievements.

Goh Beomseok, the new Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, is saluting the national flag at the inauguration ceremony held on the 3rd at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

At his inauguration ceremony held on the 3rd at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Commissioner Goh stated, "While achieving visible results is important, if the desire to excel leads to errors in work, the trust we have built can collapse." He added, "For the police to earn citizens' trust, 'not making mistakes' must come before simply 'doing well.'" He further clarified, "Not making mistakes does not mean adopting a passive attitude," emphasizing, "It means strictly guarding against violations of duty and internal corruption, and carrying out our responsibilities with accountability, according to the basics and principles."

Commissioner Goh also said, "With the criminal justice system on the verge of a complete separation of investigation and prosecution, the role and responsibility of the police continue to increase." He stressed, "Even a minor mistake can have a huge impact on public trust in the police, so in all work, the constitution and laws must be strictly observed." He went on to urge, "We must ensure that both outcomes and processes involve fair law enforcement, and maintain caution at every step," and added, "We should also continuously improve the professionalism and agility of our work through constant training."

He also pledged increased support for on-site officers. Commissioner Goh stated, "The beginning and end of police work are ultimately at the frontline," and added, "Seeing and listening directly to what makes citizens uneasy on the ground should be the starting point of police activity." Furthermore, he urged, "Commanders at all levels must do their utmost to ensure not only the safety of front-line staff but also to provide them an environment where they can work confidently and according to their beliefs."

Commissioner Goh, who joined the police force as part of the 8th graduating class of the Korean National Police University in 1992, has served as the head of Seodaemun Police Station in Seoul, as an inspector at the National Police Agency, and as head of the public safety division at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. After his promotion to Superintendent General last year, he served as acting head of the Security Bureau at the National Police Agency and as the 37th Commissioner of Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency. On the 1st of this month, he was officially promoted to Senior Commissioner and appointed as the 42nd Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

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