New national investigation chief vows to earn public trust as police take sole lead on criminal probes

Hong Seok-ki, the newly appointed chief of the Korean National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters, said Monday he was determined to rebuild the investigative police into an institution the public can trust.

Speaking at his first press briefing at the agency's headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Hong said the police's core duty is to protect the safety and lives of citizens. "We will strengthen our investigative capabilities so that law-abiding citizens are not put at a disadvantage and illegal conduct does not pay," he said.

He said the public's expectations of the investigative police are clear. "As police become the sole authority in criminal investigations, we will show the public a police force that is human-rights-friendly yet resolute and fair in the face of crime — one that works with its eyes on the people," he said.

Hong reaffirmed the position previously stated by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency chief Park Jeong-bo that the investigation into former Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung-kee — now in its 10th month — is in its final stages. "Among the 13 cases, some have been concluded and the rest are also being wrapped up," Hong said. "The Seoul agency is picking up the pace."

Asked whether there was anything he wanted to change during his tenure, Hong said his priorities were crimes that harm an unspecified number of victims — such as voice phishing and illegal private lending — as well as crimes involving personal relationships.

Hong also said the agency had submitted its opinion on a draft enforcement decree governing the organization and operation of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, which the Ministry of Interior and Safety had put out for legislative notice.

Hong was appointed National Investigation Headquarters chief on Friday, receiving a promotion from senior superintendent general to superintendent general from his previous post as head of the agency's investigation bureau.

On the day of his inauguration, Hong convened a nationwide video conference for investigation commanders, warning that "the nature and methods of crime are evolving further and crossing borders, and a major overhaul of the criminal justice system lies ahead — making this a more critical time than ever." He called on officers to show "not even a moment's negligence in the investigative police's fundamental role of protecting the public's daily safety and the rule of law."

"Let us build together the most trusted investigative agency in the country — a just and compassionate National Investigation Headquarters," he said. "I will lead by example."