이 대통령 “경찰 기강 해이·무책임 심각”…개혁 기구·시스템 정비 지시

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed on March 25 to establish a police reform organization and system reformation measures in response to flawed police investigations and mishandling of cases. At the Blue House, the president raised concerns about recent police mishandling of national security issues and their serious implications.

Yoon explained that due to the large number of police personnel, the system's problems are inevitable, and stressed the need for system reformation to address the issues. He questioned whether the police, with their significant powers and responsibilities, can fully fulfill their duties, calling for a thorough review of how to reform the police.

The directive came amid increasing criticism of the police following the 'Jang Yoon-gi' case and the disappearance of Jeju Kim Sun-mi case. The ruling party also advocated for police reform. Democratic Party member Han Byung-do emphasized in a parliamentary session that the Kim Sun-mi case should not be allowed to deepen national sentiment of mistrust and anxiety in the justice system, and urged for full transparency, accountability, and a fundamental reform plan.

The Democratic Party established a dedicated parliamentary group on police reform, led by Kim Nam-hye, while the ruling party set up a parliamentary taskforce to investigate the Kim Sun-mi case. The police chief ordered the immediate suspension of the four key officials involved in the case and launched a thorough investigation.

The National Scientific Criminal Science Research Institute concluded that the bullet found in the Kim Sun-mi case was from a gun.