Overview

• The revised decree dissolving the bureau was promulgated to take effect Tuesday after Cabinet approval on Aug. 18 without a National Assembly vote.
• The Interior Ministry said the office nameplate will be removed Tuesday and the bureau’s functions will shift to departments within the National Police Agency.
• The ministry described the decision as a response to public consensus on operational problems and as delivery on a campaign promise by President Lee.
• Revived in August 2022 under Yoon Suk Yeol, the bureau supervised senior police personnel to provide what it called democratic oversight following shifts in investigative powers.
• The bureau’s operation prompted protests by police station chiefs, disputes over its legal basis under the Government Organization Act, and controversy surrounding the appointment and rapid promotion of chief Kim Sun-ho.