President Lee: "Some Police Leadership Involved in Loyalist Coup... Police Must Be Reborn as Democratic Force"

[Financial News] On the occasion of Police Day on the 21st, President Lee Jae Myung emphasized, "The police must be reborn as a truly democratic force that stands solely on the side of the people."
On this day, President Lee attended the 80th Police Day ceremony at the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. He stated, "Even on the night of December 3, during the insurrection, a small segment of the police leadership sided with the highest authority and participated in a loyalist coup."
President Lee continued, "As a result, democracy and constitutional order were trampled, and the sovereignty of the people was violated." He added, "The people's government will cleanse this disgraceful history and strengthen the neutrality and democratic oversight of the police so that they may truly serve as a democratic force protecting the Constitution and the people."
President Lee also stated, "From abolishing the Police Bureau to enhancing the authority and status of the Korean National Police Committee, we will not stop advancing toward a 'democratic police serving the people.'"
He emphasized, "Uniformed citizens and democratic police officers are the foundation of a democratic Republic of Korea." He continued, "We must never forget the spirit shown by the late Inspector Mun Hyeong-sun, who protected citizens during the Jeju Uprising, and the late Senior Superintendent Lee Joon-gyu and the late Chief Superintendent Byung Ha Ahn, who stood with the people of Gwangju during the Gwangju Uprising (May 18 Democratization Movement), embodying what it means to be 'the people's police.'"
Additionally, President Lee remarked, "Extraordinary sacrifices deserve extraordinary rewards." He pledged, "We will strive to improve compensation, working conditions, and medical welfare so that police officers can serve the public without concern."
President Lee further stated, "There is no police force stronger than one loved by the people, and no title more honorable than being supported by the people." He urged, "At the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (APEC Summit), please showcase Korea’s stature to the world through meticulous and thorough security measures."
He continued, "The police must transform into a smart force that proactively responds to new threats." He pointed out, "Crimes such as drug offenses, voice phishing, and Deepfake cybercrimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, transcending borders and technological boundaries."
President Lee emphasized, "We must enhance international cooperation and collaboration among relevant agencies to strengthen our crime response capabilities, and integrate advanced AI technology into crime prevention and policing." He added, "As crime becomes more diverse, it is increasingly difficult for the police and related agencies alone to identify dangers throughout society. Therefore, please focus your efforts on building a more robust public safety cooperation system with citizens. The government will also work to improve systems and support measures for this purpose."
In particular, President Lee said, "The police must be reborn as a competent force that truly protects the lives of the people." He continued, "With the phased expansion of the autonomous police system and the major change of the Separation of Investigation and Prosecution, the public is asking a serious question: 'Will our lives improve as police authority increases?' The police must respond to this question with utmost sincerity."
President Lee stated, "Continuously enhance the responsibility, fairness, and professionalism of investigations, and establish an investigative system that the public can trust." He added, "Vicious crimes that drive citizens to the brink must be pursued to the end, and only when there is unwavering confidence that criminal proceeds will be confiscated and forfeited can we deter repeat offenses."
President Lee also said, "While crimes that occur must be dealt with firmly, we must also make every effort to prevent harm and recurrences." He emphasized, "In particular, please respond more actively and preemptively to dating violence and stalking crimes to prevent the loss of precious lives due to delayed responses. Through cooperation with relevant agencies and continuous monitoring, please work together to prevent secondary offenses against crime victims."
President Lee added, "The recent surge in drug-related issues as a serious social concern is no exception. We must strengthen responses throughout the entire distribution process, from supply to use, and establish an organic cooperation system linking investigation, treatment, and rehabilitation to effectively prevent drugs from infiltrating the daily lives of our citizens." He concluded, "Please approach the task of protecting the lives and safety of the people with the determination that there can be no such thing as excessive response."
west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter