Sejong City Launches 'Taekwon Police' Public-Private Partnership for Crime Prevention

Final Working-Level Discussions Between Autonomous Police Committee, Police Agency, and Taekwondo Association

A 'Taekwon Police' initiative, which links investigative agencies and civic groups to prevent crime, is expected to be launched in Sejong City.

According to an Asia Economy report compiled on June 19, the Sejong City Autonomous Police Committee, the Sejong Police Agency, and the Sejong City Taekwondo Association are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding as early as next month and officially begin operating the Taekwon Police. It has been confirmed that officials from these organizations recently met to conduct working-level discussions for an inauguration ceremony.

According to multiple officials including the police, the Sejong Taekwon Police initiative is being considered following a proposal by Kim Junghwan, a standing member of the Autonomous Police Committee. Kim, a former senior superintendent who served in the police force for over 40 years, primarily focused on crime prevention during his public service career.

About ten years ago, while serving at a metropolitan police station, he led the inauguration of the 'Taekwon Poli Patrol Unit' and successfully established it. The name 'Taekwon Poli Patrol Unit' is a combination of 'Taekwon' from Taekwondo and 'Poli' from police car. The patrol unit attached Taekwon Poli stickers to Taekwondo academy vehicles and conducted mobile patrol activities. Considering the strong sense of duty and deep understanding of local conditions among martial artists, the unit played the role of guardians for children and adolescents.

Following the patrol routes of the Taekwon Poli vehicles, the unit conducted patrols to protect children around elementary school routes and parks, raised awareness, and actively reported any witnessed crimes against children, acting as Crime Watchers. These efforts to prevent crimes against children received significant positive feedback.

The relevant agencies now plan to apply this successful public safety initiative to the Sejong area. The Taekwondo Association is positively reviewing the police proposal. Yang Cheolmin, president of the Taekwondo Association, has operated security companies in Sejong City, served as chairman of the association's Sports Fairness Committee, and was elected as the fourth president of the Taekwondo Association in 2024.