Incheon Police Agency Recruitment Physical Test Controversy: Supervisors' High-Pressure Behavior

During the physical test for police recruitment conducted by the Incheon Police Agency, supervisors displayed inappropriate behavior, such as shouting and cursing at examinees, leading to controversy.

Examinees have reported experiencing psychological distress due to this treatment, prompting calls for urgent measures to prevent recurrence.

According to police reports from the 6th, the Incheon Police Agency conducted physical tests for 358 candidates who passed the written exam for the '2025 First Police Recruitment (Public Recruitment)' from April 14 to 22.

The tests were held at the Munhak Stadium in Michuhol District, including 100m and 1000m sprints and grip strength measurements. Push-up and sit-up tests were conducted in the basement of the Incheon Police Agency building in Namdong District, and a final selection of 221 candidates was made on June 13.

However, many candidates have claimed to suffer mental distress due to the supervisors’ high-handed attitudes during the process.

One candidate, identified as A, arrived early at the Munhak Stadium on the day of the physical test to check the track conditions due to rainfall. However, upon entering the stadium, A testified that a supervisor cursed at him, saying, "Get out quickly, you idiot."

A stated, "From the moment before the test began, I felt intimidated by the supervisor's glaring eyes, which made it difficult for me to perform."

Reports of Inappropriate Supervisory Behavior Spreading Online

Numerous similar complaints have also been posted on online communities where police exam candidates gather. Candidate B claimed that during the push-up test, a supervisor interrupted him, saying, "Your form is good, but you're too fast."

B expressed his frustration, stating, "The supervisors only need to measure and assess accurately, but it's incomprehensible that they behaved in a way that could affect the test results."

Such issues are now drawing criticism within the police force as well.

Police officer C remarked, "It is very inappropriate to curse and shout at candidates who have not yet officially passed. Candidates who do not succeed become ordinary citizens, and such experiences could lead to distrust in the police, which highlights the need for measures to prevent recurrence."

In response to these incidents, an official from the Incheon Police Agency acknowledged, "It is true that supervisors raised their voices while conducting physical tests for many candidates. It is wrong to show a high-pressure attitude toward candidates in any situation." Furthermore, they promised that starting from the second public recruitment in the second half of the year, supervisors would receive training to ensure the use of respectful language to prevent such issues from recurring.

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