South Korean Police Acting Chief addresses officer injury and crime victim protection

Acting National Police Agency Chief Kim Jong-cheol has pledged full support for a police officer critically injured in a traffic accident on the Yeongdong Expressway. The officer, an inspector from the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency, was struck by a 6.5-ton truck while managing traffic following a separate collision involving a large trailer and an SUV. The officer sustained severe injuries, including a severed ankle, and is undergoing emergency surgery. Kim instructed that the agency provide comprehensive support for the officer’s medical treatment, rehabilitation, and return to daily life, as well as psychological counseling for the officer’s family and colleagues.

Separately, during a National Assembly audit, Kim expressed agreement with proposals to allow police to apply directly to courts for protective measures in relationship-based crimes, such as stalking. Currently, police must request such measures through a prosecutor, a process that can take several hours. Kim noted that these measures often function more as administrative procedures than judicial actions. He also acknowledged staffing shortages in departments handling crimes against women and youth, stating that discussions with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety regarding personnel increases are ongoing.