Police Detain Suspect for 'Secondary Offenses' Against Itaewon Disaster Victims

The National Office of Investigation of the National Police Agency announced on January 4 that a suspect who posted approximately 700 videos and posts online mocking and disparaging the families and victims of the Itaewon disaster has been arrested and detained.

National Police Agency

The families of the Itaewon disaster victims filed a complaint with the police on September 25 last year, accusing 119 posts that spread conspiracy theories and slander of charges including insult and defamation.

The Second Offense Crime Investigation Division of the National Police Agency identified Mr. A as a suspect. During the investigation, they also confirmed additional allegations that Mr. A attempted to gain financial profit by exposing donation account information on overseas video platforms and major domestic online communities.

The police applied for an arrest warrant for Mr. A, citing the seriousness of the case, concerns about destruction of evidence, and the risk of repeat offenses. The court accepted this request. This is the first case of detention since the establishment of the dedicated investigation team for secondary offense crimes.

An official from the National Police Agency stated, "Secondary offenses are not merely expressions of opinion but constitute serious crimes that directly infringe on the victims’ right to life and dignity."