Hong Seok-ki, chief of the National Office of Investigation at the Korean National Police Agency, said attending Cabinet meetings has advantages in sharing information on state affairs and working with related ministries, responding to concerns that the practice could undermine investigative independence. He added, however, that this rests on the premise that the president does not direct investigations into specific cases and that political neutrality is guaranteed.
Speaking at a regular press briefing at the Korean National Police Agency in Seodaemun District, Seoul, on the morning of Oct. 27, Hong addressed concerns that the attendance of investigative agency heads at Cabinet meetings could compromise investigative independence. "Rather than becoming a frog in a well, there are advantages for the police in sharing the domestic state affairs situation," he said.
He said cooperation with related ministries is necessary because the police are involved not only in criminal investigations but also in prevention and victim recovery. He pointed in particular to matters the police cannot resolve alone, such as crimes involving personal relationships, missing-person cases and suicide prevention, which can be discussed directly with the relevant ministries at Cabinet meetings.
Hong added that there are advantages to discussing in an integrated way with multiple related ministries, including the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Justice, how crime can be prevented and how quickly damage can be repaired.
He stressed, however, that preconditions are needed in response to concerns that attending Cabinet meetings could infringe on the political neutrality of investigative agencies. "The premise is, naturally, that the aim is to ensure nothing undermines political neutrality," Hong said. "Regarding case investigations, the president also said he would not discuss matters related to case investigations."
Asked how he would respond if the president were to intervene in a specific investigation in the future, he indicated that the public broadcast of Cabinet meetings could itself function as a check. "Holding Cabinet meetings open in real time is also in that spirit," he said.
Hong acknowledged the importance of securing the independence and political neutrality of investigative agencies, while reiterating the advantage of interagency cooperation for crime prevention and victim protection.