Acting police chief returns early amid investigation dispute

KBS reported that the acting National Police Agency chief returned to South Korea before dawn today after controversy widened over the police investigation into the case. The report said he had been in the United States to attend a United Nations meeting.

According to KBS, the acting chief said, 'I feel very sorry for causing concern to the public.' KBS reported that he explained he moved up his return by one day because he recognized the seriousness of the matter.

KBS said he returned to the National Police Agency 5 hours after arriving back in the country and chaired a video conference with senior police officials. The report said he again apologized to the victim's bereaved family, saying police had caused them another wound that would be hard to heal.

KBS reported that concerns have grown over the possible abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation authority in connection with the case. The acting chief said police would address shortcomings across the investigation process and prepare institutional improvement measures to report to the public soon.

According to KBS, the acting chief also said the agency would create an internal corruption investigation unit dedicated to investigating corruption and related misconduct. He said those responsible would face the strongest punishment possible within the scope allowed by law and the system.

I deeply apologize for causing the bereaved family another wound that will be hard to heal.

We will address procedural shortcomings so police investigations are carried out more thoroughly and fairly, design detailed institutional improvement measures and report them to the public soon.