South Korean police impose civil penalty on the individual who plotted a terror attack at a BTS concert

 

Although South Korea, like most countries around the world, is currently living in peacetime, society still harbors individuals with terrorist ideologies. These people often take advantage of large public gatherings to spread fear by posting threats on social media, forcing authorities to remain on constant alert and mobilize significant resources in response.

Naturally, BTS concerts—especially free public performances that attract enormous crowds—are prime targets for individuals with such dangerous mindsets. Fortunately, no BTS concert has ever resulted in a tragedy involving the loss of life. However, prior to many of the group's performances, numerous threats have surfaced online, and ARMYs have consistently been the first to detect these warnings and report the to the authorities, helping prevent potential risks.

The sentence handed down to one individual who threatened to attack a BTS concert is a direct result of the timely cooperation between fans and law enforcement authorities.

The National Police Agency announced on the 15th that it has filed civil lawsuits seeking damages in cases where false threats resulted in the unnecessary deployment of public law enforcement resources. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plans to seek 2.28 million won (approximately US$ 1.507) in damages from Mr. Kang, a man in his 50s.

Kang was accused using his mobile phone at his home in Dobong District, Seoul, to post the comment, "I will put gasoline in a water bottle and throw it," under an Instagram post titled "Traffic Control Information for BTS's Gwanghwamun Performance" on March 19—two days before the concert took place. In addition, he posted several other threatening comments directed at unspecified crowds, including, "I will commit arson" and "This Gwanghwamun concert with turn into a sea of fire." The investigation revealed that he had posted a total of 22 comments implying harm to the lives or physical safety of unidentified people who were expected to gather around the concert venue. 

After receiving a report through the 112 emergency hotline, police quickly identified Kang as the prime suspect and carried out an emergency arrest. During the investigation, Kang claimed that he had merely wanted to attract attention and had never intended to actually harm or kill anyone. However, authorities determined that this motive did not lessen the seriousness of his actions, as the threats caused widespread public anxiety and forced security agencies to deploy emergency response measures.

On the day of the concert, police deployed 13 special task units from nine police stations and assigned mobile tactical forces to prevent acts of violence or weapon-related attacks. A dedicated monitoring unit under the cyber investigation division was also established to prevent the spread of fake bomb threats on social media and closely monitor any signs of extremist activity to ensure a prompt response. 

Taking a strict stance against crimes involving public threats, police requested an arrest warrant for Kang. After the warrant was approved, the case was forwarded to prosecutors, and he was indicted while in custody. Last month, the Seoul Northern District Court sentenced Kang to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years. In addition, he was placed under probation supervision and ordered to complete 200 hours of community service. The court stared, "This crime undermines public safety by causing anxiety and fear among many members of society. Therefore, a severe punishment is necessary."

This month, after determining that Kang's online posts had forced police officers to respond to the scene and implement measures, authorities also decided to hold him civilly liable. Police emphasized, "We will not oh strengthen criminal sanctions but also impose substantial financial penalties to enhance both corrective and general deterrent effects."

Meanwhile, the Korean National Police Agency announced that it will actively operate Damage Compensation Review Committees within provincial and metropolitan police agencies to prevent future security gaps caused by the unnecessary waste of public law enforcement resources.