Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong (pictured), who had a conflict with the government over the ‘police control plan’, expressed his resignation on the 27th. It is the first time in constitutional history that the head of the police has established an angle with the government and expressed his resignation.
On the 27th, Commissioner Kim held an emergency press conference and issued a statement of resignation. Commissioner Kim said, “As a result of deep contemplation of the role and responsibilities assigned to me as the Commissioner of the National Police Agency, I have decided that it is best for me to resign at this point.”
He emphasized, “Over the past history, our society has learned that strengthening the neutrality and democracy of the police is a key factor in moving toward the people’s police force,” he said.
Commissioner Kim said, “The police have repeatedly emphasized the need for extensive opinion gathering and in-depth review and discussion in consideration of its influence and ripple effect. I hope it will continue,” he said.
Conflicts between the police and the Ministry of Public Administration and Security are increasing, such as the announcement of recommendations by the Advisory Committee on improving the police system of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security and the overturning of the public safety chief. Commissioner Kim, who had been in office until the 23rd of the following month, expressed his resignation one month earlier.
This is the first time that the chief of the National Police Agency has expressed his resignation once morest the government. Although his term of office has been suspended due to public opinion or personal corruption, he has never resigned as the head of the National Police Agency due to conflict with the government.
On the 24th, President Yoon Seok-yeol remarked regarding the possibility of Kim’s resignation, saying, “I have one month left in[Chief Kim’s]term, is that important?” Minister of Public Administration and Security Lee Sang-min said, “I know that (the resignation of the Chief of Police) will be dealt with according to laws and procedures.”
Reporter Min-ki Gu kook@hankyung.com
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