Could the 23-month vacancy at the top of the police end? Acting chief Kim Jong-chul named as candidate for next commissioner general

[Financial News] Kim Jong-chul, acting commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency (56, 45th class of senior police officer candidates), has been named as the next candidate for the post, which has been vacant for 23 months.
Police said on the 6th that Kim appeared before the National Police Commission that day for the review and approval process for his appointment recommendation as commissioner general.
Before appearing before the National Police Commission, Kim met with reporters and shared his thoughts on being nominated.
“I am well aware that public expectations of the police are higher than ever, and that there are even more voices expressing concern,” he said. “Being nominated for commissioner general at such a grave time gives me a profound sense of responsibility.”
He added, “Today, as my capabilities and qualifications are being examined as a nominee for commissioner general, I will approach the process diligently and with a strong sense of responsibility.”
The selection is drawing attention as a step toward ending the long-running vacancy at the head of the police. The Korean National Police Agency has operated under an acting chief for 1 year and 11 months without a permanent commissioner general.
The appointment process for commissioner general proceeds in this order: review and approval by the National Police Commission, a recommendation by the minister of the interior and safety, referral through the prime minister, a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly, and appointment by the president. If Kim clears the National Police Commission’s review and approval, the subsequent appointment procedures are expected to follow.
Born in 1970 in Hamyang, South Gyeongsang Province, Kim graduated from Myungshin High School in Jinju and the Department of English at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. He earned a master’s degree in Convergent Security from Chung-Ang University and a doctorate in Public Security Administration from Korean National Police University.
After joining the police in 1997 as a member of the 45th class of senior police officer candidates, he served as chief of Seoul Seocho Police Station, head of personnel and education at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, head of the autonomous police division at the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency, and at the Blue House’s National Situation Room, among other posts.
He later served as head of public safety at the Daegu and Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agencies; head of life safety and traffic at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency; head of public safety at the Chungnam Provincial Police Agency; and head of life safety at the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency, among other roles.
Appointed chief of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency last September, Kim moved to the post of deputy commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency this September and has served as acting commissioner general.

[email protected] Kim Ye-ji Reporter