[Exclusive] Security Guard's Extreme Choice in Gangbuk-gu, Residents Stopped It with Their Bodies

Late Choi Hee-seok's Past Extreme Choice... Resident Physically Intervenes
Resident Actively Raises Awareness of 'Gapjil Incident' with Memorial Altar
Bereaved Family "Very Grateful to Apartment Residents"
Promoting 'Choi Hee-seok Law' to Prevent Gapjil by Security Guards and Others

In front of the security booth of an apartment in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, where security guard Mr. A, who made an extreme choice after a conflict with a resident that started over a "parking issue within the complex," worked, memorial messages from residents were posted on the 11th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] It was recently revealed that the late Choi Hee-seok (59), a security guard at an apartment in Ui-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, who tragically took his own life on the 10th after suffering abuse and power harassment from residents, had previously attempted suicide on the 5th but was discovered by a resident and transported to a hospital.

The resident found Choi attempting to take his own life, restrained and calmed him, and arranged for his hospitalization at a nearby hospital. However, due to the ongoing frequent power harassment, Choi ultimately attempted suicide again.

On the 13th, at Choi’s funeral held at Sangye Paik Hospital in Nowon-gu, his family stated, "My younger brother attempted suicide on the 5th."

They added, "During that time, a neighbor who happened to notice the situation embraced my brother tightly to prevent him from moving. That resident stabilized him and ensured he was admitted to a hospital located in Suyu-ri, Gangbuk."

It is also known that the resident actively raised awareness of Choi’s case in society, including leaving memorial messages at the security post where Choi worked.

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

The family expressed gratitude to the apartment residents who showed their condolences. They said, "We are truly thankful. We believe that our brother, who suffered from power harassment, can now rest a little more peacefully."

They continued, "Once again, we would like to thank all the residents. We are really grateful."

Earlier, the apartment residents set up a memorial altar at the security post to mourn Choi, who took his own life due to power harassment.

The residents placed a bouquet of chrysanthemums, Makgeolli, and scented candles at the altar to pray for the deceased’s soul. In particular, they used Post-it notes to pay tribute to him.

One resident wrote in a note, "No matter how much I think about it, I cannot believe that he can no longer be with our apartment family. My heart aches deeply."

Another resident mourned, "He was always kind when I went to pick up packages. I had no idea such an incident was happening. I feel wronged that something like this happened to such a kind and pure person. Thanks to him, I was able to live comfortably."

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

The family of the late Choi Hee-seok held the funeral procession on the morning of the 14th at Sangye Paik Hospital in Nowon-gu, Seoul, followed by a memorial service at the apartment.

Meanwhile, the family is pushing for the enactment of the so-called "Choi Hee-seok Act," a law aimed at preventing power harassment. This law intends to improve the treatment of security guards and fundamentally block various forms of power harassment.

The family explained, "This law is for those working in professions that are despised and neglected in the blind spots of our society." They emphasized, "We will work to completely eradicate the widespread power harassment in Korean society."

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

Choi filed a police complaint against Mr. A on the 22nd for assault and other charges. However, Choi died by suicide before the complainant investigation could take place. Before his death, Choi confided in his brothers, saying, "It’s too hard."

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

※ If you or someone close to you is struggling with difficult feelings such as depression, you can receive 24-hour professional counseling at suicide prevention hotline ☎1393, mental health counseling ☎1577-0199, Hope Call ☎129, Lifeline ☎1588-9191, or Youth Hotline ☎1388.