Controversy Over Traffic Control During Kim Geon-hee's Visit to Mapo Bridge... Seoul Police Chief Says "Management Was Done" [2024 National Audit]

National Assembly Audit of Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 15th

Kim Bong-sik, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated that "at least minimal traffic management was conducted" regarding whether traffic control was implemented during First Lady Kim Geon-hee's visit to Mapo Bridge.

On the 15th, during the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's audit held at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Naejadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Commissioner Kim responded to a question from Jo Eun-hee, a member of the People Power Party, asking, "Was there traffic control during the First Lady's visit to Mapo Bridge?" He said, "There was no traffic control on Mapo Bridge itself, but minimal traffic management was conducted to ensure safety during movement," adding, "This is in line with the approach taken by previous administrations."

First Lady Kim Geon-hee is conducting a foot patrol with officers from the Yonggang Police Substation of the Mapo Police Station on Mapo Bridge in Seoul on September 10th, marking 'World Suicide Prevention Day.'
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response, Chae Hyun-il, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized, saying, "That is traffic control," and added, "The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, which has no security obligation, focused solely on the First Lady, managing traffic on their own and supporting a presidential cosplay from the side."

Lee Hae-sik, also from the same party, said, "According to the Security Act, traffic management is only allowed when there is a substantial reason deemed unavoidable, but it is questionable whether visiting Mapo Bridge at that time qualifies as such a substantial reason," adding, "From the public's perspective, it was an inappropriate choice of timing and method."

Commissioner Kim stated, "Since she is a security subject, it is included in our police duties," but also said, "We use the term traffic management because 'control' implies blocking vehicle passage for a long time, and we apologize for any misunderstandings caused."

First Lady Kim Keon-hee is seen on the 10th, marking 'World Suicide Prevention Day,' observing the 'Lifeline' and conversing with officers from the Yonggang Police Substation of Mapo Police Station at Mapo Bridge in Seoul.
[Photo by Presidential Office]

Ruling party lawmakers defended that the security provided was at a customary level for the First Lady and that there was no problem. Jo Eun-hee said, "I am concerned that the customary level of security for the President's wife is being politicized and leading to a wasteful debate." Kim Jong-yang of the People Power Party also said, "(The First Lady's visit) was an event related to suicide prevention, so is that wrong? Depending on the situation, traffic control can be implemented if necessary."