Online Spread of 'Murder Threats'
Many Suspects Arrested Are Minors Saying "Just a Joke"
"Legal System Reform and Strict Punishment Needed"
Since the 'weapon rampage' incidents in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, and Seohyeon Station in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, there has been a surge in online posts threatening murder, heightening public anxiety.
The National Police Agency announced on the 6th that, as of 6 p.m., a total of 54 individuals who posted murder threats nationwide have been apprehended. A significant number of the suspects are minors, most of whom reportedly stated that "it was a joke."
The appearance of murder threat posts began with the Sillim Station weapon rampage incident on the 21st of last month. Since the Seohyeon Station incident on the 3rd, such posts have spread online like a trend.
A man in his 20s, Mr. A, who posted a message online threatening to kill a woman at Sillim Station, is leaving the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu on the afternoon of the 27th after completing the pre-arrest detention hearing (warrant review). Photo by Yonhap News
The problem is that these murder threat posts are spreading online in real time, amplifying citizens' fears. In fact, as the fear that "I could also become a victim" spreads, sales of self-defense products on open markets have surged.
According to Gmarket, from the day after the Sillim-dong weapon rampage incident on the 22nd of last month until the 3rd of this month, sales of self-defense products increased by 243% compared to the same period last year. In particular, sales of self-defense extendable batons rose by 303%. Transactions of self-defense products on 11st and Interpark increased by 202% and 123%, respectively.
Professor Lee Yun-ho, Chair Professor of the Department of Police Science at Korea Cyber University, analyzed that a 'copycat psychology' is at work behind the continuous appearance of murder threat posts.
On the 7th, on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' he said, "(With the posting of murder threats) newspapers, broadcasts, the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, and even the Prosecutor General show great interest, which leads the posters to feel they are receiving attention, becoming famous figures. This fosters a misguided hero complex and curiosity. It raises concerns that malicious exhibitionism is further encouraged and imitation becomes easier."
On the morning of the 4th, police were deployed around Seohyeon Station in Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yonhap News
However, 'murder threats' are clear crimes. They not only plunge citizens into anxiety and fear but also cause unnecessary waste of police and fire administrative resources.
Moreover, murder threat posts can act as catalysts for criminal acts. Professor Lee said, "I think they may ignite the latent anger and anxiety within certain individuals, stimulating their impulses and reinforcing motives for crimes. Therefore, small incidents, such as those at Seohyeon Station, Sillim Station, or the Express Bus Terminal, might have been triggered by these posts."
Professor Lee emphasized, "Stronger responses are necessary. The legal framework should be overhauled to enable more efficient and effective responses to such issues." However, he pointed out that deploying police special forces or armored vehicles could have adverse effects. He advised, "The mere presence of police can intensify public anxiety. It is important to accurately assess the appropriate level of police activity."
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