A frustrating clash

The nation’s two law enforcement agencies have been at odds over the investigation into the Blue House’s alleged meddling in the 2018 Ulsan mayoral election. The Ulsan police officers who were involved in the investigation of former Ulsan Mayor Kim Gi-hyeon are refusing to comply with the prosecution’s request for summoning. As some offered to answer to questioning on paper, the prosecution is suspecting organizational resistance to its investigation. The police denied it has given any order, saying it was up to the individuals to decide to comply with the summons.

The police and prosecution clashed over the mobile phone of the former investigator of the Blue House, who died of apparent suicide during the questioning process. Police demanded prosecutors return the phone for a separate investigation. The prosecution has refused to hand over the phone as the autopsy results have already come out.

It is an eyesore to witness the repeated power struggle between the two law enforcement agencies based on their organization selfishness and political interests. Former Ulsan police chief Hwang Un-ha appeared on the YouTube channel of Rhyu Si-min — the controversial head of the Roh Moo-hyun foundation — and accused the prosecution and media of colluding to frame the police and the Blue House.

Rhyu agreed, saying the investigation into him was a way to get to the Blue House. Former prosecution chief of Ulsan, Song In-taek, said in an interview that Hwang has undermined the national foundations and meddled in the election for selfish political ambition. Despite the ruling party’s assertion that the office of the senior secretary for civil affairs had not ordered any spying on alleged corruption involving former Ulsan mayor Kim Gi-hyeon, the process of securing the evidence and meddling in prosecution investigation has raised suspicion.
If the Blue House really gave the order to influence the election results, it has committed a serious crime. Instead of fighting amongst themselves, the police and the prosecution must leave out political interests so as not to further destabilize state order.

Since the police has come under suspicion, officers — of high and low ranks — must comply with the investigation faithfully. They are only fueling more suspicions through their selfish acts.

JoongAng Ilbo, Dec. 9, Page 34