Kim Jong-cheol, the first police chief nominee under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, has prioritized establishing a new criminal justice system and alleviating public anxiety over crime. During his upcoming confirmation hearing, he is expected to address his qualifications to lead the police organization and respond to allegations regarding the acquisition of redevelopment rights.
On the morning of November 10, Kim met with reporters on his way to the National Police Agency in Seoul, where he identified addressing public concerns over abnormal motivation and relational crimes, as well as the implementation of the new criminal justice system, as his top priorities. He also emphasized the need to structurally improve the increasing workload of frontline officers and ensure their safety and treatment.
Regarding the confirmation hearing, he stated, "It is an opportunity to verify the candidate's capabilities and qualifications," adding, "I will approach it with a responsible attitude and sincerity."
On November 6, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung proposed Kim's nomination after receiving approval from the National Police Commission. Following the confirmation hearing, the president will make the final appointment. Kim, a candidate from the 45th police executive class, has previously served as the chief of the Seocho Police Station in Seoul, head of the Seoul Police Agency's Safety and Traffic Division, and chief of the Gyeongnam Police Agency. Minister Yoon cited Kim's demonstrated leadership and commitment to police reform as reasons for his selection.
The National Police Agency has been operating under an acting leadership since the impeachment of former chief Jo Ji-ho on December 2024. Minister Yoon explained that the delay in appointing a successor was due to many candidates nearing retirement or being involved in trials or allegations related to insurrection, making it difficult to find a suitable candidate.
On November 9, the National Police Agency established a confirmation hearing preparation team, led by Lee Yong-cheol, head of the Autonomous Police Planning Division, consisting of three teams and a total of 13 members.
Another key issue is coordinating roles with the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency following the separation of investigation and prosecution. On the afternoon of November 10, Kim met with Kim Ji-yong, the Chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency. Before their meeting, Kim Ji-yong explained, "Cooperation between the two agencies is crucial for the public to feel the benefits of the new criminal justice system."
In response to concerns about potential "investigation ping pong"—where police and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency might shift cases back and forth—Kim acknowledged that there may have been some misunderstandings during the early stages of the agency's establishment. When asked about the number of cases transferred, he stated, "There are more than three," but did not provide specific figures. He explained that investigations are assigned based on public interest, effectiveness, and the severity of the issues.
Meanwhile, Kim is facing scrutiny over personal financial matters. Allegations have arisen regarding how he and his spouse secured two housing rights in the redevelopment project in the Sangdaewon 2 district of Seongnam. Reports indicate that his spouse solely owns land purchased in 2014, while Kim co-owns separate land with his sister in a 9-to-1 ratio.
Kim's team stated that the land purchase by his spouse was for actual residence and denied any intentional "fractional ownership". They clarified that the discrepancy in reporting his ownership stake—reported as 90% instead of the actual 50%—was due to a data entry error, which has since been corrected in the materials submitted for the confirmation hearing. They also indicated plans to dispose of the inherited stake.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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