Police Chief Nominee Urges Review of 1989 Dong-eui Case

The nominee for National Police Agency commissioner yesterday said a re-examination is needed on a 1989 incident in Busan in which seven police officers were killed amid student protests.

Kang Hee-rak said in parliamentary confirmation hearings that a review of the “Dong-eui University” incident is needed for the officers killed and their bereaved families, as well as to recover the reputation of former and active police officers.

The National Assembly`s Government Administration and Safety Committee held the confirmation session.

Ruling Grand National Party lawmaker Lee In-ki said, “Dong-eui University students responsible for the deaths of the police officers each received up to 50 million won (41,459 U.S. dollars) in compensation from the government but the policemen each got a meager 1.5 million won (1,243 dollars).”

Kang answered by saying, “A special law should be enacted to compensate the dead police officers and regain their tainted reputations.”

Kang also refused to disclose video footage of the assault on ruling party lawmaker Chun Yu-ok for the sake of the investigation.

A group of activists affiliated with Minkahyup, a coalition of families advocating democracy, attacked Chun last Friday at the National Assembly.

The assault was apparently fueled by the lawmaker’s push for a re-trial of the “Dong-eui University case."

needjung@donga.com