"I Reported Illegal Prostitution but Was Arrested for Defamation"

Whistleblower Criminal Complaint Controversy
Police: "Refused to Submit ID Card"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-gi] Pyeon Jae-seung (52), who lives in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, holds a one-person protest every morning in front of the Jongam Police Station during commuting hours. The banner reads, "Condemn Jongam Police Station for illegally arresting residents who reported illegal prostitution." He told the reporter, "I reported the fact that prostitution was taking place to 112, but in the end, only I was arrested by the police," adding, "It is hard to understand why a citizen who is a public informant has to suffer such persecution." The one-person protests are held alternately by citizens belonging to a group demanding the closure of prostitution establishments.

On the 18th, based on interviews with Pyeon and the Jongam Police Station's local police unit, Pyeon reported to 112 in September 2018 that there were signs of prostitution in the area known as 'Mia-ri Texas,' a prostitution hotspot. Two police officers from the Wolgok local police unit of Jongam Police Station were dispatched. Upon hearing that the police had arrived, two members of a merchant organization called the 'Purification Committee' also came out. Afterwards, a scuffle broke out between Pyeon and one member of the Purification Committee, and feeling threatened, Pyeon filmed the scene with his smartphone. When the Purification Committee member protested, claiming it was a 'violation of portrait rights,' Police Officer A, who was watching, also told Pyeon that 'photography is subject to criminal punishment' and demanded deletion of the footage. Pyeon, believing the police sided with the establishments, reportedly made insulting remarks to Officer A. Officer A arrested Pyeon on the spot for insulting a police officer and even filed a criminal complaint himself.

Subsequently, Pyeon was summarily prosecuted and fined 2 million won. Dissatisfied, Pyeon requested a formal trial and was acquitted in the second trial last year. The appellate court judged that Pyeon's remarks were not considered insulting. Pyeon said, "I was prosecuted with added insults I never made," and added, "It is hard to understand why I had to be arrested on the spot when my identity could have been easily verified."

Regarding the reason for arresting a complainant who reported a crime as a suspect on the spot, Officer A explained, "It happened because Pyeon refused to present his ID." He said, "I warned that Pyeon's remarks could constitute the crime of insult and requested him to show his ID, but he refused," adding, "Since his identity could not be confirmed, I had no choice but to arrest him." Pyeon filed a complaint with the National Ombudsman about the inappropriate actions such as the arrest decision, but the police agency conveyed the explanation from the Wolgok local police unit of Jongam Police Station that the actions were 'appropriate' to Pyeon.

Meanwhile, the prosecution, dissatisfied with the appellate court ruling on the insult charge, has taken the case to the Supreme Court. As the person who reported prostitution gets embroiled in legal battles, there are concerns that voices demanding the closure of 'Mia-ri Texas' are being suppressed. A participant from the Seongbuk citizens' group who joined the protest with Pyeon expressed frustration, saying, "The fact that prostitution was reported in the first place has disappeared, and only the controversy over insulting the police remains."