Police Chief Appears on 'You Quiz' Says, "Prosecutors Will Find Self-Investigation Difficult"

Recently, during the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee hearing on prosecutorial reform, Song Ji-heon, the head of the investigation department at the Yangcheon Police Station in Seoul, has drawn attention for expressing a critical stance on the prosecutors' "self-investigation" related to the 'Gwanbong-kwon band incident'. In response to a question from Democratic Party member Kim Yong-min, Chief Song stated, "I think further self-investigation will be difficult," raising questions about the fairness of the prosecutors.

Chief Song's remarks came during a situation where prosecutors involved in the case were present as witnesses at the hearing, adding weight to his opinion, especially after observing the lengthy Q&A process that continued late into the night. Notably, Chief Song expressed his support for a prosecutorial reform plan that completely separates the investigation and indictment powers of the prosecutors, citing examples from the UK to explain the advantages of police monopolizing investigation and indictment powers.

Chief Song's past history is also becoming a topic of discussion. He previously appeared on the tvN entertainment program 'You Quiz on the Block' and has a unique career path that includes being a bank employee, flight attendant, lawyer, and then becoming a police officer. His principled statements, based on diverse social experiences, are evaluated to have gained more persuasiveness during this hearing.

Meanwhile, the 'Gwanbong-kwon band incident' is related to the Geun-jin Law Firm case, and controversies regarding the prosecutors' investigation process have been continuously raised. Chief Song's recent remarks are expected to rekindle public concerns about the fairness of the prosecutors' investigations and ignite new discussions on prosecutorial reform.

Chief Song's principled remarks are interpreted as pointing out the limitations of internal inspections within the prosecutors' office and emphasizing the need for objective investigations by external agencies. Discussions on improving the prosecutors' investigation methods and systems are expected to become more active in the future.