Lee Jae-myung Announces Major Reforms in Presidential Security Based on 'Open Security' Policy

President Lee Jae-myung has announced significant reforms in the Presidential Security Service with an emphasis on an 'open security' approach.

On the 5th, the Presidential Security Service posted an announcement on its official recruitment website stating, "The specific position public recruitment and specific/general position examination have been canceled."

The security service explained that the cancellation was made "in accordance with the internal review stage to implement the 'open security, low security' policy following the change of government." Accordingly, it is reported that the security service will completely redesign its personnel selection criteria in line with the new security policy.

On the 4th, President Lee Jae-myung appointed Hwang In-kwon, a former Army Major General and graduate of the non-commissioned officer school, as the head of the Presidential Security Service. Additionally, he selected Park Kwan-cheon, a former senior inspector from the police, as the deputy chief of security.

By filling both top positions in the security service with external figures, he has made his commitment to reforming the security service clear.

President Lee appears to have composed the leadership of the security service with individuals from diverse backgrounds to avoid repeating past mistakes, such as the undue influence of the military through connections from the Korea Military Academy during the tenure of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, which led to the 12/3 state of emergency.

Meanwhile, on the first day of President Lee's inauguration on the 4th, a confrontation occurred between the Presidential Security Service and the police concerning close protection for the president.

As a security officer from the Presidential Security Service attempted to enter the venue of the National Assembly's inauguration ceremony, a police security officer physically blocked him.

Generally, it is customary for the security service to immediately take over security duties right after the president-elect is confirmed. However, under instructions from President Lee, the police continued their security duties for one day after the presidential election.

There is also analysis suggesting that these directives stem from President Lee's distrust of the security service, which had intervened to prevent the arrest warrant for former President Yoon Seok-yeol.

Image sources: President Lee Jae-myung / News1, May 27, former Presidential Security Service conducting security drills ahead of the 21st presidential inauguration / News1