On the 21st, President Yoon Suk-yeol gave a commemorative speech at the 79th Police Day ceremony held at the Chamsoori Hall in the National Police Agency, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.
President Yoon stated, “We must track down and severely punish crimes that cause suffering to the public.” He urged for the thorough recovery of criminal proceeds to fundamentally break the criminal ecosystem.
He pointed out emerging threats such as crimes with abnormal motives, organized crime’s intelligent infiltration, drug and cyber gambling, and fake news. He emphasized that the police need to advance faster and become more proactive and scientific to protect citizens safely.
He stressed the importance of increasing policing capabilities in line with social changes and new situations, so people can rely on and trust the police. He also noted that maintaining traditional policing methods alone is not enough to protect the public from new threats.
President Yoon called for stronger enforcement from the early stages in crimes targeting the vulnerable, such as stalking, domestic violence, and child abuse, to thwart offenders’ intentions. He asked for meticulous monitoring to prevent recidivism and a robust safety net to protect victims, including links to shelters and psychological support.
Regarding advanced technologies, he emphasized enhancing the police’s high-tech investigation capabilities to keep pace. Developing identification systems for deepfake and other false content, and eradicating digital sex crimes through inter-agency cooperation are crucial, he said.
He also called for a swift and strong response to fake news that shakes society. The government will actively support advanced technology development and ensure proper law and system maintenance to back the police’s efforts.
Emphasizing the importance of crime prevention over punishment after the fact, he urged quick responses to imminent threats to public safety through close monitoring of potential issues by newly established patrol and detective units.
He promised more active governmental support aligned with the important mission and dedication of the police, including improvements in police conditions and expanding indemnity regulations. Specific measures include the rapid construction of Asan Police Hospital and increased support for fallen and injured officers.
He assured that the government’s protection will extend to the police’s rightful law enforcement through expanded indemnity rules and other initiatives.
“Without public safety, people’s freedom cannot be protected, and our prosperity cannot continue,” President Yoon stated, commending the police as protectors of public security and pillars of South Korea’s prosperity. He urged them to deeply embrace their emblems’ symbolism of illuminating citizens’ lives day and night.
At the event, President Yoon presented police hero plaques to the families of fallen officers Noh Seong-ju, Jang Jin-hee, Shim Jae-ho, and Lee Jae-hyeon. He paid tribute to officers who sacrificed their lives for the nation and public, affirming that he and the country will never forget their noble sacrifices.
The ceremony was held at the National Police Agency headquarters for the first time in 19 years and marked the first presidential visit to the agency’s headquarters since former President Lee Myung-bak in 2012.
The event was attended by about 460 individuals, including police heroes, families of fallen officers, outstanding field officers, and police representatives from 33 countries. Government attendees included Minister of Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min and Commissioner General of the National Police Agency Cho Jae-ho. Notable guests from the National Assembly included Deputy Speaker Joo Ho-young, People’s Power Party leader Chu Kyung-ho, and other lawmakers. Presidential aides such as Chief of Political Affairs Hong Cheol-ho and National Situation Room Chief Jo Sang-myeong were also present.
(Photo = Yonhap News)