South Korea launches police reform committee; premier calls for stronger checks

South Korea's police reform committee formally launched on October 14, with Prime Minister Han Seong-suk chairing its first meeting at the Government Seoul Complex, local outlets reported. The committee operates under the prime minister's office and is intended to develop ways to control expanded police powers following the separation of prosecutors' investigative and prosecutorial functions, Kyunghyang Shinmun reported. [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]

Han said the October 2 launch of the serious-crime investigation and prosecution agencies had reorganised the criminal justice system and left police with greater powers and responsibilities. She said those powers must be subject to correspondingly strict controls, with effective internal and external checks taking priority. Newsis and Kyunghyang Shinmun reported her remarks at the meeting. [ 4 , 5 ]

The prime minister said police capabilities should focus on protecting people's everyday lives and that expanding investigative functions must not weaken policing on the ground. She called for a fundamental reassessment of staff and resource allocation to strengthen everyday public safety. She also invited proposals concerning the foundations of the police system, including control of police powers and political neutrality. [ 4 , 5 ]

Han urged the committee to discuss reforms promptly, saying public expectations could turn into disappointment if changes were delayed. She suggested presenting proposals for public review and refining them rather than waiting a long time for a perfect answer. Kyunghyang Shinmun described the committee as a government advisory body of no more than 20 members, including relevant agency heads and private experts, and reported that President Lee Jae-myung had directed Han in August to establish a forum for discussing police reform. [ 4 , 5 ]