Kim Fetes Embattled Police

President Kim Dae-jung showed his support for the national police force by hosting a luncheon Wednesday at the Blue House for 250 front-line officers. The lunch comes in the face of heightened public criticism of the police after their brutal crackdown on union marchers at a Daewoo Motor factory in Inchon April 10.

Lee Moo-young, commissioner-general of the National Police Agency, attended the lunch despite calls for his resignation over the incident.

Mr. Kim did not say whether or not the embattled police commissioner would be retained, but observers said the invitation can be construed as a vote of confidence.

Mr. Kim lauded the officers by saying that Korea's police force played a vital role in making Korea a democratic nation that respects human rights. The president said, "Police officers are the first and last resort for the weak in our society." Presidential aides said the lunch was held to symbolize Mr. Kim's unshaken support for the force.

Mr. Lee led a toast to the president and apologized for the incident in Inchon.

The president said the incident was "a mistake committed by a few."

He asked that officers "remain vigilant against mistakes of the few that can erode the integrity of the police force."

by Kim Jin-kook