South Korea police recruitment exam draws record 12,960 applicants

The National Police Agency reported that 12,960 candidates applied for the upcoming police investigative exam, the highest number ever recorded. The figure represents a 21.2% rise from the previous year’s 8,490 applicants and signals growing interest in police investigative roles amid ongoing reforms to transfer investigative authority.

Authorities noted a decline in the rate of officers leaving investigative units, dropping to 7.6% this year from 8.6% last year. The agency also highlighted recent measures such as adding 1,093 investigators to frontline integrated teams and expanding overall investigative staff by 1,900, alongside plans to integrate AI and advanced scientific technology into investigations.

The surge in applications is presented as evidence that the police’s efforts to improve investigative professionalism and working conditions are gaining traction.