President Lee Jae Myung speaks at the 38th Cabinet Meeting in 2026 at Cheong Wa Dae on the 1st. [Reporter Kim Hoyoung] 사진 확대 President Lee Jae Myung speaks at the 38th Cabinet Meeting in 2026 at Cheong Wa Dae on the 1st. [Reporter Kim Hoyoung]

Regarding police reform, President Lee Jae Myung pointed out on the 1st, “There are very few loach-like beings that blur the well, and it is regrettable that most sincere police officers seem to be defamed and self-esteem is undermined.”

“The majority of good police are doing their best (in their duties),” President Lee said at a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae.

“Criticism against the police has been increasing recently, but police play a very big role not only in maintaining the national order but also in the service of the people,” President Lee said. “If most of them were corrupt, incompetent and irresponsible, the organization could not have survived.”

“Even if everything seems problematic and irresponsible, it is a small number, and the overwhelming majority are faithfully playing their role in place,” he said. “In fact, the police are very short of manpower compared to the actual work they do.” He also mentioned that the main cause is the heavy workload (of mistakes coming out of the field).”

In addition, he said, “I hope that the police officers who work hard on the front line will cheer up,” adding, “It is also a time when the holiday (Chuk-soon to come) is more difficult for ‘citizens in uniform’. I offer words of encouragement.”

Meanwhile, in connection with the disappearance of nine Koreans due to the great flood in Nepal, he ordered the relevant ministries to “make every effort to search early based on close cooperation with the Nepal government and business officials.”

“If possible, we hope to actively promote the additional input of available equipment such as rescue personnel and helicopters,” he said, adding, “Fortunately, the Nepalese government seems to have requested cooperation.”

President Lee said, “In particular, the local situation is very bad due to concerns over secondary floods and bad weather, and we should pay special attention to the safety of the search personnel,” adding, “We wish the missing people a speedy recovery and thank the officials of the rapid response team who are doing their best despite bad conditions.”