In the first integrated recruitment of male and female police constables, women made up 37.8% of those who passed.
The Korean National Police Agency said on the 22nd that 2,941 people passed the final round of the open competitive recruitment exam for constables in the first half of 2026. Men accounted for 1,829 (62.2%) and women 1,112 (37.8%).
Given that test takers were 62.9% men and 37.1% women, the gender ratio among those who passed did not differ much. The pass rate for the circuit-style physical fitness test was 63.9% overall, 88.6% for men and 42.5% for women.
This hiring round fully applied the integrated selection method for men and women for the first time. Until now, the constable open recruitment operated separate quotas by gender, with women typically accounting for around 20%.
Acting Commissioner Yoo Jae-seong of the Korean National Police Agency said at a regular press briefing that day, regarding concerns that an increase in women police officers could weaken on-scene responsiveness, "If such concerns materialize or we judge there is a serious problem, we will consider institutional supplements."