Acting Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) Yoo Jae-sung finishes answering questions from the press after returning home via Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 on the 10th. Acting Commissioner Yoo had been visiting the United States to attend the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS) but returned early amid growing allegations of collusion between the investigation team and Jang Yoon-ki, the suspect in the 'Gwangju high school girl murder case.' [Yonhap News] 

Acting KNPA Commissioner General Yoo Jae-sung issued a public apology on the 10th regarding the controversies over botched police investigations and collusion surrounding the 'Jang Yoon-ki case.'

During a video conference with senior police commanders nationwide held that morning, Acting Commissioner Yoo stated, "It is a devastating development that the leader of the investigative team at the time has been arrested on charges of destroying evidence related to the Jang Yoon-ki case," adding, "We are taking the public's concerns and reprimands very seriously."

"I offer my deepest apologies to the bereaved family for causing them such deep, unforgettable pain once again," he said. "I am also deeply sorry for disappointing the public."

Acting Commissioner Yoo bowed his head repeatedly as the incident has fueled public opinion in favor of strengthening the prosecution's investigative authority and deepened public distrust of the police.

"We will conduct a swift and thorough investigation into every issue raised by this case, leaving no room for suspicion," he promised. "Through investigation and internal inspection, we will hold all those responsible for this incident accountable to the fullest extent permitted by law and institutional regulations."

Furthermore, he stated, "We will swiftly and rigorously improve upon the problems exposed by this matter," announcing that the 'Police Investigation Reform Task Force (TF)' will review the entire police investigation system.

He also announced the immediate creation of an internal corruption investigation unit directly under the command of the National Office of Investigation, adding, "We will investigate and take decisive action against any corruption or misconduct in police investigations nationwide with even greater rigor."

"We will listen more attentively to the voices of victims during the police investigation process and solidify democratic control with citizen participation," Acting Commissioner Yoo said. "The police will look only to the people and reform our investigative processes to restore public trust."

He continued, "We will supplement procedural deficiencies and design comprehensive institutional improvements to ensure that police investigations are carried out more faithfully and fairly, and we will report these to the public in the near future."

Acting Commissioner Yoo concluded his remarks by saying, "Every member of the police force will keep in mind that our investigative authority was delegated by the people, and we will fulfill our assigned responsibilities."

Acting Commissioner Yoo, who was on a business trip to the U.S. to attend the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS), returned home early, one day ahead of his original schedule. Upon arriving at Incheon Airport, he repeatedly apologized, saying, "I am deeply sorry for causing the public concern."

The fact that he returned to the National Police Agency to preside over the meeting less than five hours after his arrival is interpreted as a reflection of how seriously the situation is being viewed.