South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized the urgent need for police reform, warning that the police could soon become the most influential government agency due to significant amendments in the nation’s criminal justice system. During a Cabinet meeting, President Lee proposed the creation of a specialized body to oversee these reforms and ensure increased accountability within the police force. He tasked the prime minister’s office with gathering public input and formulating a strategy for establishing this oversight body.
This call to action follows the parliamentary approval of changes to the Criminal Procedure Act, which will strip the prosecution of its investigative authority, granting the police sole responsibility for criminal investigations once the revisions are implemented. The changes have sparked concerns about the concentration of power within the police, prompting President Lee to advocate for a system that balances authority with responsibility.
President Lee’s push for reform was further fueled by recent criticisms of police practices, particularly highlighted by the handling of a public safety case involving a missing woman on Jeju Island. The mishandling of this case has raised public doubts about police procedures and their accountability, underscoring the need for a reassessment of current systems.
In his address, President Lee cautioned that while the police’s role is expanding, it must be accompanied by a corresponding increase in responsibility to avoid potential abuses of power. He warned against the dangers of power concentration and called for systemic changes to improve accountability and prevent lapses in public safety.