South Korea to modernize policing with AI, local-led units, cross-border cooperation
President Lee Jae-myeong delivered a congratulatory address at the 2026 new lieutenants and sergeants appointment ceremony at the Korea Police University in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, on the 17th. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung attended the ceremony alongside him.
Lee stressed that the police derive all their power from the public’s steadfast trust and urged the new officers to become “the people’s police” who serve only the public, not any particular faction or interest.
He said the nation’s claim to being one of the safest countries rests on the sacrifices and dedication of roughly 140,000 police officers and their families, noting that public safety is a collective achievement of the police community.
The president underscored that those on the frontlines who safeguard daily life must act with judgment that sets the standard for state power. He called for policing to be precise in its enforcement and for outcomes to be fair and just, with the Constitution’s principle of equality before the law applied regardless of rank or status.
Lee also acknowledged that crime patterns are increasingly complex and borderless as technology evolves, and public expectations for policing continue to rise. He urged a police force that continuously innovates, including the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence to predict and preempt crime, and strengthened cross-border law enforcement cooperation. He also advocated a phased expansion of autonomous, locally led policing to build a dense security network together with citizens.
The remarks came as the ruling party’s discussions on prosecutorial reform—including the creation of a Major Crimes Investigation Bureau and related measures to reorganize the prosecution service—were at a pivotal point. Some voices worry such reforms could inadvertently weaken investigative capacity; the president’s message framed police modernization as a way to reassure the public about state capability.
Lee concluded by pledging robust government support for Korea’s 140,000 police and their families so they can focus on serving the public. He said the sacrifices of police officers should be recognized with thoughtful policies and resources that reinforce national safety.
Why this matters for the United States: South Korea’s push to modernize policing through advanced technology, tighter cross-border cooperation, and a broader, citizen-centered approach signals how ally nations are integrating AI and data-driven tools into law enforcement. As a security partner, the United States has a direct interest in how Korea expands regional policing capabilities, shares investigative expertise, and develops technologies that could influence trans-Pacific security, cyber defense, and related supply chains.