Regarding allegations of a shoddy investigation and collusion by police in connection with the "Jang Yoon-gi case," Yoo Jae-sung, acting commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, said, "I deeply apologize for causing the bereaved families yet another indelible wound with this incident," and added, "I also feel very sorry for disappointing the public."
Yoo, the acting commissioner general, held a video conference of police leadership nationwide at the Korean National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 10th and stated accordingly. Yoo said, "In connection with the Jang Yoon-gi case, a deplorable incident occurred in which the police station's investigative team leader at the time was arrested on charges of evidence destruction," adding, "We take the concerns and reprimands very seriously."
He continued, "We will conduct a swift and thorough investigation into every matter raised in this case without a shadow of doubt," and added, "Through criminal and internal affairs investigations, we will impose the severest punishment allowed by law and regulations on those responsible for this incident."
Yoo also said he would move to improve investigative systems to prevent a recurrence. Earlier, the Korean National Police Agency formed a "reform task force to enhance trust in police investigations," centering on outside experts, to review the entire police investigation system. A new internal corruption investigation unit will be established under the direct control of the head of the National Office of Investigation (NOI) to investigate misconduct or corruption in police investigations nationwide.
Yoo said, "We will shore up procedural shortcomings so police investigations are conducted more diligently and fairly, and we will closely design institutional improvements," adding, "All members of the police will keep in mind that investigative authority has been entrusted by the public, and we will fulfill the responsibility given to us."