During his speech at the 2026 new officer appointment ceremony at the Korea National Police University in Asan, President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized the vital role and trust that the police have within Korean society. He urged the police to embody the spirit of serving the public solely and fostering a strong bond of trust with the citizens. President Yoon stated that South Korea's status as 'the safest country in the world' is built upon the sacrifices made by its 140,000 police officers, reinforcing the notion that any harm against Koreans would be met with severe consequences, thanks in part to law enforcement.

The president called on the police to remain vigilant and proactive in their duties, urging them to uphold the standards expected of public service. He reminded them that their judgement and actions are the foundation of the state's exercise of power over its citizens, highlighting the need for meticulous enforcement of laws while ensuring justice prevails. Yoon reiterated the constitutional principle that those who abide by the law should not suffer disadvantages, and all individuals should be treated equally before the law, regardless of their status.

In light of evolving crime patterns that transcend borders and technologies, President Yoon urged the police to innovate and adapt, particularly through the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence. He noted the increasing expectations of the public towards law enforcement and emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive safety cooperation framework with community involvement. His remarks come at a pivotal time as discussions around police reform and the separation of investigations and prosecutions take place, signaling a need for the police to advance their capabilities to alleviate concerns regarding national investigative capacities.