Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has called on the national police to initiate reforms aimed at transforming the force into a law enforcement entity that earns public trust, as he commits to enhancing police neutrality and democratic oversight. This comes as part of his government's broader prosecution reform initiative, which seeks to separate indictment and investigative powers and gradually expand regional police systems.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee made these remarks during the National Police Day celebration, emphasizing the need for the police force to continuously innovate and adapt. The government is currently pursuing a prosecution reform designed to split indictment and investigative responsibilities, raising public concerns about the potential impact of expanded police authority on their lives.
The National Assembly, controlled by the ruling party, has already passed a bill to disband the prosecution headquarters, establishing two new agencies responsible for separate indictment and investigation roles. Lee, like his liberal predecessors, prioritizes prosecution reform amid allegations of politically motivated investigations. His recent comments underscore the importance of police reform to improve their service to the public.
President Lee urged the police to enhance "accountability and fairness" in their investigations, establishing a reliable investigative system. He also highlighted the need for police neutrality, referencing the involvement of police leaders in the December 3 martial law attempt led by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee vowed to "erase that disgraceful chapter of history" and ensure the police act as a democratic force protecting the Constitution and the people.
In addressing modern challenges, Lee called for a "smart" police force capable of tackling emerging threats like voice phishing and deepfake cybercrimes. He advocated for stronger interagency collaboration and the use of artificial intelligence to prevent such crimes proactively. Additionally, Lee emphasized the need for "preemptive" measures to protect citizens from a surge in dating-related crimes and stalking, and he called for aggressive action against narcotics crimes, ensuring robust treatment and rehabilitation systems are in place.