Kim Jong-cheol has been nominated as the 25th Police Chief, raising hopes for the resolution of a prolonged leadership vacuum in the police force.
On November 6, Kim was designated as the police chief candidate. Born in 1970 in Mokhyeon-ri, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, he graduated from Myungshin High School and earned a degree in English from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. He passed the 45th Police Executive Candidate Examination in 1997 and was commissioned as a police officer.
During his career, Kim obtained a master's degree in Convergence Security from Chung-Ang University and a doctorate in Public Safety from the National Police University, continuously enhancing his expertise in public safety. After being promoted to superintendent, he held key positions including head of the Women and Youth Division at the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency, chief of Sokcho Police Station, chief of Seocho Police Station in Seoul, and head of the Personnel and Education Division at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Notably, he served as an administrative officer in the National Planning Office of the Presidential Office during the Moon Jae-in administration, gaining insights into national policy.
In January 2021, Kim was promoted to police commissioner and served as the head of the Autonomous Police Division at the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency, head of the Public Safety Division at the Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency, head of the Life Safety and Traffic Division at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, head of the Public Safety Division at the Chungcheongnam-do Police Agency, and head of the Life Safety Division at the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Police Agency.
At the beginning of the Lee Jae-myung administration, he was dispatched as a specialist to the National Planning Committee, which acted as a transition committee, participating in the planning of national tasks. He has built a significant record in public safety and information, earning recognition as a key figure in the organization.
In September 2025, Kim was promoted to police chief of Gyeongsangnam-do, and in September 2026, he was promoted to deputy chief of the National Police Agency. Following the dismissal of former Police Chief Jo Ji-ho for supporting the December 3 emergency martial law, he served as acting police chief for about two months, effectively managing organizational adjustments in line with the revised Criminal Procedure Act.
During the National Police Commission meeting, Kim stated, "I am well aware of the public's expectations and concerns regarding the police, and I feel a heavy sense of responsibility."
He emphasized that his top priority is to ensure that citizens do not suffer from crimes motivated by abnormal motives or relational crimes, stating, "I believe it is urgent to refine various systems and field manuals to prevent such incidents."
Kim also acknowledged the diverse voices of the public calling for a better society and police reform.
If approved by the National Police Commission, recommended by the Minister of the Interior and Safety, and confirmed by the Prime Minister and the National Assembly, Kim will officially be appointed as the 25th Police Chief, concluding nearly a year-long period of acting leadership.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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