Discussions Underway to Form a New Joint Investigation System After the Launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency

The police will establish a special investigation team to continue probing the Itaewon crowd crush even after the joint police-prosecution investigation team disbands. This measure is interpreted as a response to the abolition of the prosecution's investigative powers, effective from October 2.


Seodaemun-gu Police Agency, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Seodaemun-gu Police Agency, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

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The National Police Agency announced on September 30 that while the joint investigation team with the prosecution will end its operation, a police special investigation team will be formed and operated to ensure continuity and stability in the investigation until a new joint investigation system is established.


With the prosecution office set to be abolished and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency to be launched on October 2, a new investigation team is expected to be formed. Currently, the police are discussing measures with relevant agencies to establish a joint investigation system between the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the National Police Agency.


The special investigation team will consist of 12 members and will be led by Kim Geunjun, Chief Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Major Crimes Investigation Division. Eleven officers who were part of the original joint investigation team will continue handling the case.



A representative from the National Police Agency stated, "While the special investigation team will focus on cases handled by the previous joint investigation team, we plan to quickly connect investigation results and materials once a new joint investigation system is established. We will continue to closely cooperate with relevant agencies on the composition of the follow-up investigation system and take all necessary measures to ensure there is no disruption to the investigation."


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