[Aircraft Disaster] Police Obtain Search Warrants for Six Malicious Comments Targeting Victims and Families

A dedicated investigation team of 118 formed
64 cases of defamation and insult under investigation

As indiscriminate fake news and malicious comments are spreading in relation to the Jeju Air passenger plane accident at Muan International Airport, the police are expanding their investigation into the matter.

The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency announced on the 3rd that it had applied for search and seizure warrants for six posts as of 8 p.m. the previous day.

Bereaved families visiting the memorial altar at Muan Airport. Photo by Yonhap News

Of these, three warrants have been issued and compulsory investigations are underway. In addition, a total of 64 posts nationwide related to defamation and insult are under preliminary investigation. The authors of these posts may be charged with cyber defamation or cyber insult.

The police have formed a dedicated investigation team of 118 members by adding cyber investigation units from 16 city and provincial police agencies across the country, with the director of the investigation bureau as the head.

So far, the police have deleted or blocked 125 internet posts or comments insulting the bereaved families through their own monitoring.

A police official stated, "We consider indiscriminate postings such as malicious online posts and YouTube videos related to the Jeju Air passenger plane accident to be serious criminal acts. We are mobilizing all investigative resources and are conducting an investigation centered on the cyber investigation units of all city and provincial police agencies to track and apprehend the posters," adding, "We will promptly identify and apprehend the posters and take strict legal action."