Halloween 'Police Uniform' Wearing Leads to Imprisonment... Illegal Even to Possess

Online and Offline Simultaneous Inspections Until the 5th of Next Month
Focused Crackdown on Violations of the 'Police Uniform Equipment Act'

The police have established a strict response policy regarding Halloween police costumes, which were criticized for exacerbating the Itaewon disaster.

On the 26th, the National Police Agency announced that it will conduct intensive guidance and crackdowns on the sale and wearing of police costumes until the 5th of next month, coinciding with Halloween week.

Under current law, it is illegal for ordinary people who are not police officers to wear police uniforms or similar police uniforms or to possess related equipment. Violators may face imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to 3 million won, and sellers may be punished with imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Products searched with the keyword 'Police' on a commerce platform mall. [Image capture=Commerce platform search page]

During the Itaewon disaster on October 29 last year, there were many people on the streets wearing police and other uniform costumes, which delayed the police’s entry to the scene as they were not recognized as an actual situation. At that time, the police even sent an official letter to portal sites requesting that police uniforms not be sold online.

Furthermore, following Halloween Day last year, continuous inspections were conducted on 51 major portal and secondhand trading sites, resulting in a total of 42 cases detected as of October this year, with three cases under investigation. In addition, 19 people who produced, sold, or purchased police costumes were arrested for violating the Police Uniform Equipment Act.

However, even now, searching for terms like ‘Halloween police uniform’ or ‘uniform cosplay’ on portal sites easily reveals posts trading or selling police attire. Most are sold at low prices ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 won. Moreover, sets including police batons, radios, and handcuffs similar to those used by actual police officers have been sold for 50,000 to 60,000 won.

A National Police Agency official stated, “We are conducting focused monitoring of portal sites and secondhand trading sites ahead of Halloween Day and plan to provide guidance on adult costume items that may cause confusion among the public. To avoid confusion, wearing police uniforms or similar attire on Halloween Day is prohibited,” urging caution.

Nam Hwa-young, Commissioner of the Fire Agency, also appealed on the 25th through the Halloween fire safety measures announcement, “We ask citizens participating in Halloween festivals to refrain from wearing fire and police uniforms so that emergency rescue activities at disaster sites can proceed swiftly.” Firefighter costumes are also subject to punishment. Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the Minor Offenses Act stipulates that those who use uniforms, medals, badges, or similar items without qualification as prescribed by law shall be subject to a fine, detention, or penalty not exceeding 100,000 won.

Some secondhand trading platforms are also strengthening monitoring. Danggeun Market added ‘police equipment’ as a reason for reporting so that users can immediately report problematic posts.

Experts emphasize the need for stronger enforcement will. Lee Yun-ho, Chair Professor of the Department of Police Science at Korea Cyber University, said, “The reason for wearing a uniform is to easily distinguish from ordinary people and to exercise legitimate public authority. Since situations causing harm to many have occurred, stronger law enforcement is necessary.” Professor Lim Joon-tae of Dongguk University’s Department of Police Administration also said, “Perfect prevention is not easy, but raising sentencing standards to raise awareness is worth considering.”