Seoul: Police announced Thursday the launch of a dedicated task force to scrutinize past investigations in response to a growing controversy surrounding alleged leaks by local police investigators in a recent high-profile murder case.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the task force will conduct examinations of police stations nationwide to review past cases of alleged incompetence and implement reforms in the investigative system, as stated by the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) in a press notice. The task force will be led by a "prominent external figure," with the majority of its members comprising outside experts.

The urgency for reform stems from allegations involving multiple police officers suspected of leaking investigative information and destroying evidence related to Jang Yoon-gi's alleged murder of a 17-year-old female student and attempted murder of a 17-year-old male student in Gwangju. The KNPA has already formed a special investigation team to probe the officers' alleged misconduct.

In addition to the task force, the KNPA plans to establish an internal corruption investigation unit that will operate directly under the head of the KNPA's National Investigation Headquarters. This unit aims to strictly address misconduct within the investigative ranks.

Following his six-day official visit to the United States, Yoo Jae-seong, the acting commissioner of the KNPA, will hold a virtual leadership conference on Friday to tackle the issue. The KNPA indicated that Acting Commissioner Yoo intends to showcase the leadership's strong commitment to reform and encourage active cooperation from police officers.