[Exclusive] Bereaved Family of Security Guard Who Committed Suicide Proposes "Choi Hee-seok Act" to President to Prevent Power Abuse

The family of the late Choi Hee-seok: "We will promote the 'Choi Hee-seok Act' to prevent gapjil"
"No one in our society will suffer from gapjil anymore"

On the afternoon of the 13th, the funeral hall for the late Choi Hee-seok was set up at Sanggye Paik Hospital in Nowon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] The bereaved family of the late security guard Choi Hoe-seok (59) from Gangbuk-gu, who took his own life due to verbal abuse, physical assault, and harassment by residents, is pushing for the so-called "Choi Hoe-seok Act" to prevent such abuses of power. The family has expressed their intention to continuously strive for the enactment of the "Choi Hoe-seok Act," including proposing it to President Moon Jae-in.

On the afternoon of the 13th, at the funeral hall set up at Sanggye Paik Hospital in Nowon-gu, Seoul, the bereaved family met with Asia Economy reporters and emphasized, "We will work to completely eradicate the widespread abuse of power in Korean society through the 'Choi Hoe-seok Act,' as well as improve the poor working conditions of security guards."

The family explained, "It would be acceptable for the law to be named the 'Choi Hoe-seok Act' after the deceased's name. This law is intended for those working in professions that are despised and ignored in the blind spots of our society."

They continued, "With this law, customers will no longer speak informally to restaurant staff, and society will become one of mutual respect. We are prepared to hold press conferences at the National Assembly and will spare no effort or means to ensure the passage of the Choi Hoe-seok Act," they reiterated.

They added, "No one in our society will suffer or take their own life due to abuse of power anymore. Although there have been many laws to prevent abuse of power, we are not sure if any were truly effective. This security guard case is not the first, is it?" they expressed their frustration.

On the afternoon of the 13th, the bereaved family explained the 'Choi Hee-seok Act,' an abuse prevention law, at the funeral hall of the late Choi Hee-seok set up at Sanggye Paik Hospital in Nowon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

According to residents, on the morning of the 21st of last month, around 11 a.m., Mr. Choi had a dispute with a resident in his 50s, Mr. A, over parking issues within the apartment complex. Afterwards, Mr. A assaulted Mr. Choi and dragged him to the management office, demanding that he quit his security job.

The next day, on the 22nd, Mr. Choi filed a police complaint against Mr. A for assault and other charges. Some residents even held an emergency residents' meeting on the 5th to discuss countermeasures regarding this incident.

However, before the complainant's investigation, Mr. Choi took his own life. Before his death, he confided in his brothers, saying, "It's too hard," expressing his emotional distress.

On the other hand, Mr. A, accused of the assault, reportedly denied the claim that he assaulted Mr. Choi to the extent of breaking his nasal bone.

On the morning of the 14th, the bereaved family of Choi Hee-seok, a security guard who recently took extreme measures due to harassment by residents while working as a security guard at an apartment in Ui-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, is holding a traditional Korean funeral rite in front of the apartment security office.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, a Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) petition demanding severe punishment for the perpetrator has surpassed 300,000 signatures.

The petition titled "Please clear the injustice of our apartment security guard," posted on the Blue House petition board on the 11th, had 336,636 supporters as of 7:30 a.m. on the 14th.

The petitioner stated, "(The security guard) was truly a kind person. Every morning, he greeted us first with 'Hello,' bringing smiles like a vitamin on difficult commutes," urging strict punishment for the perpetrator.

The petitioner added, "I heard the perpetrator worked in the entertainment industry and as a manager. If he is involved with organized crime, I request a thorough investigation. I wish I could ask for the death penalty, but I want a thorough investigation to clear the security guard's injustice. Even if not the death penalty, I want life imprisonment," they demanded.

Meanwhile, the Seoul Gangbuk Police Department, investigating this case, has imposed a travel ban on the resident suspected of 'abuse of power and assault.' The police plan to summon and investigate this resident within the week.

※ If you or someone around you is struggling with difficult feelings such as depression, you can receive 24-hour professional counseling at the Suicide Prevention Hotline ☎1393, Mental Health Counseling ☎1577-0199, Hope Call ☎129, Lifeline ☎1588-9191, or Youth Hotline ☎1388.