전국 시도청장 18명 중 14명 ‘향피제 적용’ 물갈이…경찰청장 인선 임박

South Korea's central government recently replaced the leadership of 14 out of 18 provincial police chiefs, as part of a nationwide initiative to boost public confidence and address the so-called "home-town police" issue. The move comes as the Police Agency conducts a sweeping reshuffle, affecting 78% of all provincial police chiefs and 81% of all chief-level positions.

The new leadership includes Kim Joong-chae from the Korean Police Agency, who will take on the role of the new central police chief, and Go Beom-seok from the South Jeolla province police, who will become the new Seoul police chief. Meanwhile, former chief U Jae-sung, who has been leading key investigations as an assistant chief, will step down following a disciplinary proceeding.

The government's decision to reassign the majority of these positions, excluding those with close ties to the individuals involved in high-profile cases, is aimed at bolstering the integrity and professionalism of the police force. In addition, two high-ranking investigators, Kim Gwang-sik from Seoul's Police Headquarters and Oh Sung-jin from the Seoul Police Bureau's Investigation Division, have been promoted to key positions within the National Police Agency.

Notably, Kim Joong-chae, who recently served as a spokesperson during a controversial "Goose Cluster" case, will also assume the newly vacant post of Police Chief. The appointment of new police chiefs is expected to accelerate following the recent leadership reshuffle, with potential candidates including Kim Joong-chae, Go Beom-seok, and U Jae-sung.