South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday, 21 October issued a direct call for the police to aggressively overhaul wrongful practices and systems, while pressing for the creation of an independent oversight mechanism to vet police investigations. The remarks were made during a speech marking the 81st Police Day in Seoul.

What the President Said

Speaking at the Police Day ceremony, Lee urged officers to objectively examine institutional shortcomings and act decisively. 'By objectively looking back on what has been lacking, (police) should aggressively pursue reform to boldly address wrongful practices and systems,' he said.

Lee emphasised that investigative authority — transferred to the police following his administration's prosecution reform — must be exercised fairly, in strict accordance with laws and principles, and with clear accountability. He called for a dedicated special oversight system that independently scrutinises investigative processes and shields them from external pressure.

The Context: Prosecution Reform and Expanded Police Powers

The push for reform comes at a critical juncture. Under the Lee administration's prosecution reform, prosecutors have been stripped of most investigative powers, leaving them responsible only for indictments. This has substantially expanded the police's investigative mandate — raising the stakes for how that authority is exercised and overseen.

Notably, this is the first major public accountability call directed at the police since the expanded powers took effect, signalling that the administration intends to balance the reform with rigorous checks.

Public Trust Under Scrutiny

'Police should seriously acknowledge the reality that public trust in the police is wavering ... and bear in mind that their responsibility has become greater than ever,' Lee noted.

He was unequivocal that credibility cannot be rebuilt through rhetoric alone. 'Public trust cannot be restored through words alone. The police should demonstrate that they have changed and make painstaking efforts to ensure that people recognise the change,' he said.

Rising Violent Crime Adds Urgency

The president's remarks come amid growing public safety anxiety following a recent spate of violent incidents, including a stabbing spree targeting random victims in Incheon last week and the fatal stabbing of a man's mother-in-law. These incidents have intensified scrutiny of police responsiveness and investigative competence, providing immediate context for Lee's calls.

What Happens Next

Lee's speech stops short of announcing specific legislative proposals, but his call for an independent vetting mechanism signals that institutional reform is firmly on the government's agenda. Observers will watch whether a formal bill or executive directive follows in the coming weeks, particularly as public pressure around crime prevention continues to mount.