New police chief nomination on back burner

By Kang Seung-woo

The appointment of a new police chief has been delayed due to a series of high-stakes events.

Worse, should an ongoing political standoff continue, the selection may be put off further as the nominee is subject to National Assembly approval.

Considering National Police Agency (NPA) Commissioner Lee Chul-sung is retiring at the end of the month and the schedule of the confirmation hearing, the appointment should have been made last month

However, the historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump, June 12; and the local elections to choose 17 mayors and governors, and local council members, as well as 12 by-elections, June 13, have been putting the nomination on the back burner.

According to the political circle, three candidates have been shortlisted for the position by Cheong Wa Dae _ Lee Ju-min, commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency; Park Woon-dae, commissioner of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency; and Min Gab-ryong, deputy commissioner of the NPA.

Lee is referred to as a leading candidate although he is in the hot seat over an alleged poor investigation into the “Druking” online opinion rigging scandal involving a former ruling party lawmaker and an official at the presidential office.

Given his past as a Cheong Wa Dae official under the Roh Moo-hyun administration between 2003 and 2004, Lee has been receiving positive reviews for fully understanding the current government's administrative philosophy. President Moon Jae-in was the presidential chief of staff for Roh.

The biggest stumbling block lying ahead of Lee's appointment would be his involvement in the Druking case.

He was under fire in April for his remarks defending Kim Kyoung-soo, a former lawmaker and key figure in the scandal.

As President Moon appointed a special counsel to probe the case, Lee is expected to be a subject of the investigation.

There is speculation that the presidential office may postpone the appointment until fall, waiting for the controversy to abate to some extent, and have the deputy commissioner serves as an acting chief.

Along with Lee, Min and Park are considered a good fit for the post, as well.

In addition, if the National Assembly struggles to pick a new Speaker and eventually, set up parliamentary committees, the appointment for the police chief may further face uncertain prospects. The Public Administration and Security Committee will be in charge of the confirmation hearing.