Photo of Haeundae Police Station Interior Spreads on Chinese Social Media
Police: "Tourist Who Came to Find Lost Item Secretly Took Photos"
A photo taken inside the Haeundae Police Station in Busan was posted online in China, sparking controversy. The Chinese individual who took the photo uploaded it to the internet with a caption implying they were a police officer. As the controversy grew, the police explained that the photo was secretly taken by a Chinese tourist during a visit to the station.
Photo of Korean Police Station Interior with "I work" Caption...Even Work PC Screen Exposed
Recently, a photo of the interior of Haeundae Police Station was posted on Chinese social media platform Douyin with the caption "I work." The photo showed the entrance to the annex, the inside of the office, work desks, and computers. The monitor of a work PC was turned on, and part of a document titled "Prism Free Democracy Alliance Yoon Again Traffic Management" was also visible.
As the post spread on domestic online platforms, concerns were raised among internet users about security and national safety. Comments included, "Was a Chinese national hired as a police officer?" "Did Chinese public security visit Haeundae Police Station?" "How could a Chinese person enter the police office and see the police work screen?" and "Is it really acceptable to expose an internal police computer screen so carelessly?"
Police: "Chinese Visitor Secretly Took the Photo During Police Station Visit"
As the controversy intensified, the police clarified the facts. According to the police, the photo was taken in November of last year by a Chinese tourist who visited the traffic department of Haeundae Police Station to look for a lost wallet. At the time, the tourist's phone battery was dead, and the police allowed them to use a charger in the office for convenience. While the police officer briefly stepped away, the tourist used their phone to take photos of the office interior and work environment, according to the police.
The police are currently reviewing whether to take legal action regarding the post. However, they determined that the phrase "I work" in the post alone is insufficient to conclude that the individual was impersonating a Korean police officer.
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