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The recent partial restoration of the National Police Agency's special activity funds (특수활동비, or "special funds") has sparked mixed reactions—relief within the force, but persistent calls for transparency and concern over political interference.

Initially, the budget had been entirely scrapped by the National Assembly, a move some criticized as political punishment rather than fiscal oversight. The decision came amid backlash over the lack of an official apology from the police chief for previous controversies. While certain operational funds such as discretionary special purpose funds (특경비) were maintained in light of on-site demands, limitations remained for undercover or covert investigations that require anonymity.

Following the budget’s partial reinstatement, sentiment among frontline officers was largely one of relief. “You can’t conduct undercover work or meet with informants using standard budget lines. Telling us to investigate without special funds is like tying our hands,” said one field officer. “It’s a relief we got at least some of that funding back.”

However, some expressed concern over the potential for political interference in law enforcement. There is growing fear that lawmakers may use future budget deliberations as leverage to influence ongoing investigations. A senior police official warned, “Political actors must not approach investigations with intentions that interfere with or hinder law enforcement.”

Even within the force, there is acknowledgment that past criticisms over the opaque use of special funds and the need for political neutrality must be addressed. “Despite the sensitive nature of certain investigations, the police must manage these expenditures transparently enough to gain public trust,” said another official.

Public criticism of how the special funds are used has not subsided. Due to their confidential nature, police are not required to report detailed spending records to the National Assembly or oversight bodies. As a result, the funds have often been labeled “black box budgets” or “untraceable investigation expenses.”

A National Assembly official speaking on condition of anonymity noted, “Restoring the funds shouldn’t be the end of the conversation. We need to find a balance between confidentiality and accountability. That means setting up proper post-use auditing mechanisms and legal safeguards to prevent these funds from being manipulated according to the political whims of any administration.”