South Korean police seek more investigators amid misconduct allegations

The Korean National Police Agency is facing internal challenges regarding both manpower shortages and disciplinary issues. Kim Jong-cheol, acting head of the police, has expressed the need to increase investigative personnel, describing current redistribution efforts as “squeezing a dry towel.” He noted that as public expectations for investigative accountability rise following amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act, the agency must seek budget and staff increases to prevent existing staff from being overwhelmed.

Simultaneously, the Jeju Police Agency is facing scrutiny following allegations of power abuse and sexual harassment by a 50-year-old inspector against a female subordinate in her 20s. This incident occurred despite a nationwide special alert on public discipline issued by the national police. The recurring misconduct in Jeju, following a previous scandal involving the false closure of a missing person case, has raised questions regarding the effectiveness of current disciplinary measures and the ability of new leadership to reform the organization.