The opposition People Power Party raised concerns on September 14 during a government questioning session in the National Assembly regarding the vacancies in key law enforcement positions, including the police chief and prosecutor general.
In the first round of questioning, People Power Party lawmaker Seo Beom-soo pressed Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, stating, "The position of police chief has been vacant for 15 months. Is it that you have not appointed someone, or that you cannot?"
With the abolition of the prosecution office set for next month and the restructuring of the criminal justice system centered around the new prosecution office and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, concerns were raised about the lack of leadership in these organizations.
Seo questioned, "In a situation where there is no head for the police, prosecutor's office, or Ministry of Justice, who is controlling these agencies, and who is responsible?"
In response, Prime Minister Han stated, "We will finalize appointments as soon as possible. I will provide a specific timeline for these appointments shortly," adding that suitable candidates will be appointed in line with the changes in the criminal justice system.
Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-ho highlighted the prolonged delays in the liquidation process following the dissolution of redevelopment and reconstruction associations. He told the Prime Minister, "Liquidation associations must return members' assets after the dissolution of redevelopment and reconstruction associations, but the government and local authorities are not even properly grasping the situation," and noted that there are many cases where liquidation is intentionally delayed.
He called for follow-up measures, including a comprehensive investigation of unresolved associations, an investigation into corruption in completed liquidations, and the formation of a joint task force involving relevant agencies such as the police and the National Tax Service. Kim also urged the establishment of a 'Liquidation Reserve Fund Task Force' within the Democratic Party to allow local government leaders to investigate the status of liquidation reserves.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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