Seoul’s Mapo Police Chief Denies Insurrection Sympathy, Vows Legal Action

South Korea’s capital was drawn into a widening political controversy yesterday as Seoul’s Mapo District Police Chief firmly rejected accusations of supporting insurrection, promising swift legal action against those spreading what he termed “false claims.”

The police chief, who requested anonymity pending formal proceedings, addressed reporters after social media posts alleged that he had expressed sympathy for anti-government protests that turned violent in the Hongdae area last weekend.

“These allegations are categorically false and amount to defamation,” the chief stated during a hastily arranged press briefing at Mapo Police Headquarters. “I have dedicated my career to upholding the law and constitutional order. Any suggestion that I would support actions undermining these principles is both personally offensive and professionally damaging.”

The controversy erupted after anonymous accounts on several platforms claimed the chief had privately expressed support for protesters who clashed with police during demonstrations against recent economic policies. The posts included alleged quotes and screenshots of messages that the police chief insists were fabricated.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing political tension in South Korea, where public demonstrations have grown more frequent amid economic concerns, rising housing costs, and generational divides over policy directions. The Hongdae protests last weekend resulted in 27 arrests and 12 injuries, including 5 police officers.

Political analysts note that law enforcement officials have increasingly found themselves caught in the crossfire of South Korea’s polarized political landscape. Lee Jin-woo, professor of political science at Yonsei University, explained: “Police leadership positions have become politically sensitive, with officers scrutinized for any perceived partisan leanings. This creates tremendous pressure on commanders trying to manage public safety while remaining politically neutral.”

The Mapo District, home to the vibrant Hongdae area popular with young people and tourists, has seen increasing friction between business owners, residents, and demonstrators. Local business association representatives have complained about lost revenue during protests, while community groups have expressed concerns about escalating tensions.

“We’ve instructed our legal team to pursue all available remedies against those responsible for spreading these damaging falsehoods,” the police chief added. “This includes criminal complaints for defamation and civil action for damages.”

The Ministry of Interior and Safety released a brief statement emphasizing that all police commanders are expected to maintain “absolute neutrality” in political matters and reminding officers of their oath to uphold the constitution and protect public safety regardless of political circumstances.

South Korea has strict defamation laws that criminalize false statements that damage reputation, with potential penalties including imprisonment. Digital defamation cases have increased by 34% over the past three years according to National Police Agency statistics, raising concerns among free speech advocates about the potential chilling effect on legitimate criticism of public officials.

Shin Mi-kyung, attorney with the Korean Civil Liberties Union, cautioned: “While defamation laws serve an important purpose, we must be vigilant that they aren’t used to silence legitimate political discourse or criticism of those in power. The line between defamation and protected speech must be carefully maintained.”

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed it has opened an investigation into the source of the allegations, with cyber investigators examining digital evidence to identify those responsible for the original posts.

Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers have called for transparency in the investigation, with some suggesting an independent review to ensure objectivity. Ruling party representatives have condemned what they describe as “attempts to undermine public confidence in law enforcement through disinformation.”

This controversy highlights the increasing challenges facing law enforcement in an era of rapid information spread through social media and messaging platforms, where allegations can circulate widely before verification is possible.

As the legal process unfolds, attention now turns to both the technical investigation to identify the sources of the allegations and the broader implications for law enforcement neutrality in South Korea’s charged political environment.