Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung stated on Tuesday that the police will soon hold the greatest power among government agencies, emphasizing the need for a government body dedicated to police reform.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee's remarks were made during a Cabinet meeting following the recent passage of a revision to the Criminal Procedure Act. This revision, once enacted, will remove all investigative authority from the prosecution, granting it entirely to the police.
The call for reform comes in the wake of a public outcry over a missing person case on Jeju Island. A police officer there reportedly closed the case without confirming the safety or whereabouts of the missing woman, whose presumed body was recently discovered. This incident has sparked significant concern over the adequacy of police investigations.
President Lee highlighted the public's skepticism regarding the police's capability to handle their expanded authority. He urged the government to consider establishing a dedicated body to oversee necessary reforms in the policing system, ensuring accountability and efficiency.