Police Reform Commission Launches, to Finalize Comprehensive Reform Plan in Q1 Next Year
The Police Reform Commission under the Prime Minister's Office officially launched on the 14th and began drawing up a sweeping reform plan for the police, which are now responsible for most investigations under the reorganized criminal justice system separating investigation from prosecution. The commission's first meeting was held that afternoon at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, to discuss the body's future direction. Kim Sun-taek, professor emeritus at Korea University Law School, was named private-sector chair. The meeting was attended by private members including Hongik University professor Kim Sung-tae, attorney Park Sang-yung of Daeryuk & Aju, Dongguk University professor Cho Eun-kyung, Daegu Haany University professor Park Dong-kyun, Seoul National University professor Na Jong-min, former National Police University dean Kim Kyung-ryang, attorney Yang Hong-seok of Igong, Dongguk University professor Cho Yoon-oh, and Dongsin University professor Cho Man-hyung.
In her opening remarks, Prime Minister Han noted that "the major overhaul of the criminal justice system separating investigation from prosecution took place with the launch of the Major Crime Investigation Office and the Public Prosecution Service on October 2," pointing out that "the expanded police powers must be subject to correspondingly strict controls." She stressed that "designing internal and external controls that are genuinely effective must come first." Attendees agreed to adopt strengthened control over police powers, enhanced investigative capacity, innovation in public safety, and organizational and institutional restructuring as the framework for reform, and to select and discuss specific tasks within it.
Prime Minister Han emphasized that "as investigative functions expand, policing on the ground must not be weakened," urging the strengthening of public safety capabilities through a fundamental review of how personnel and resources are allocated. She told the members, "Proposals touching the very foundations of the police system, such as control over police powers and safeguarding political neutrality, are all welcome," asking them to "bring anything to the table that will make the police live up to what a police force should be." She added, "Rather than spending a long time preparing a perfect answer, let us put forward options that can be reviewed together with the public and refine them." She also said, "I hope the police themselves will embrace this reform not as an external demand but as an opportunity to be reborn."
The commission plans to announce measures for controlling police powers as its top priority by the end of this month, unveil a 'core reform plan' at year's end incorporating enhanced investigative capacity and public safety innovation, and finalize a 'comprehensive reform plan' that also includes organizational and institutional restructuring by the first quarter of 2027, after which it will focus on implementation management.
