(2nd LD) Lee says police will be biggest power, stresses need for reform by gov't body

President Lee Jae Myung warned on Tuesday that the police will soon become the most powerful entity within government agencies, calling for the creation of a government body to oversee police reform. This comes after the recent amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which will transfer all investigative authority to the police, leaving prosecution with no such power.

The president's remarks follow the discovery of a presumed missing woman's body on Jeju Island, where a police officer reportedly closed the case without verifying her safety or whereabouts, sparking public outrage over lax investigations.

Lee expressed his hope that the government would consider reforms to the police force and establish a government body to oversee reform efforts. He emphasized the need for public input in formulating a plan for this body. The president pointed to recent serious public safety cases, citing the police's lack of responsibility as a cause for concern. He stressed that power, when concentrated, often creates problems, and urged the system to be overhauled to ensure greater responsibility.

Turning to other matters, Lee called for a productive finance strategy to lay the foundation for future growth, advising officials not to become overly focused on managing financial figures. The president's comments come as the government and the National Assembly prepare to set next year's budget, anticipating a rise in tax revenues due to a semiconductor boom related to artificial intelligence.

Lee urged officials to capitalize on the opportunities presented by industrial upheaval to improve people's lives, focusing on strengthening the country's industrial competitiveness and reducing asset polarization. The president also instructed officials to expedite the revision of the minimum age of criminal responsibility, expressing hope for a prompt conclusion after reviewing public opinion.

The government is currently considering lowering the minimum age to 13 for serious crimes, amid a rise in crimes committed by adolescents.