Seoul: The nation's acting police chief on Monday reiterated his commitment to overhauling the entire police investigation system amid an ongoing controversy over the alleged mishandling of a high-profile murder case in the southwestern city of Gwangju. Yoo Jae-seong, acting commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), told reporters that the police will use the Gwangju case as an opportunity to thoroughly overhaul the entire investigation system and restore public trust.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the controversy centers on allegations that police in Gwangju, 270 kilometers south of Seoul, leaked investigative material to the murder suspect's father, who is also a police officer in the city. The suspect, 23-year-old Jang Yoon-gi, is accused of killing a 16-year-old female high school student and attempting to kill a 17-year-old male student on May 5.

Yoo stated that the police will launch an investigation reform task force this month to prevent a recurrence of such a controversy. The task force will have seven to 10 members, with the majority being external members, and will discuss personnel systems to eradicate collusion. Additionally, an internal corruption investigation unit will be established under the National Office of Investigation to investigate serious job-related crimes committed by KNPA officials, regardless of rank.

The acting police chief also mentioned that senior superintendents and some superintendents are currently undergoing a nationwide rotation. However, he expressed concerns that a rotational personnel system for all ranks could be problematic. If fully implemented, various support measures may be necessary to ensure its success.