South Korean Police Warn Protesters Over Harassment, False Claims

South Korean police warned protesters against spreading false information and engaging in illegal acts after officers were harassed at a vote-counting station [1, 2].

The incident highlights a growing trend of targeted harassment toward law enforcement during public demonstrations. The attacks extended beyond the officers to include their family members, raising concerns about the safety and dignity of public servants and their relatives.

Protesters at the scene targeted officers with derogatory labels, calling them "Temu police" and "outcast police" [1, 2]. Some individuals spread false claims that the officers were actually foreign police officers [1, 2]. During the confrontation, protesters demanded that officers prove their identity and speak Korean to verify their nationality ^[1].

These actions were reportedly fueled by dissatisfaction with how the site was being controlled by law enforcement [1, 2]. The harassment continued online, prompting the family of an affected officer to post a plea for the public to stop spreading falsehoods ^[1].

"Give me your rank and name. Give me your rank and name," one protester said during the encounter ^[1]. "Try speaking Korean," the individual said ^[1].

In response to the escalating situation, the National Police Agency issued a formal warning. The agency said it would strictly respond to illegal acts, including assault, coercion, and defamation ^[1].

"The police ask that the spread of false information be stopped," a police spokesperson said ^[1]. The agency said that while protest is a right, illegal behavior and the targeted harassment of families would not be tolerated ^[1].