Seoul Police Chief: "Among 30 Arrested at Liberation Day Rally, 3 Were Subject to Self-Quarantine... 1 Confirmed Case"

Jang Ha-yeon Seoul Police Chief's First Press Briefing
Fortunately, Most Including Police Officers Escorting Confirmed Cases Tested Negative

Jang Ha-yeon, Chief of Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Among the 30 participants arrested by the police at the Liberation Day rally held around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on the 15th, it was confirmed that 3 were subject to self-quarantine related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Jang Ha-yeon, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated at a press briefing on the 18th, "We arrested 14 people on charges of obstructing official duties and 16 people for disobeying dispersal orders at the Liberation Day rally," adding, "We have applied for arrest warrants for 2 individuals whose actions were excessive."

Commissioner Jang specifically explained, "We requested confirmation from the Seoul city government and were informed that 3 people were subject to self-quarantine," adding, "They were instructed to wait at separate facilities while being investigated, and one was diagnosed as positive." He continued, "All police officers involved in escorting, investigating, and detaining during the on-the-spot arrests are undergoing testing," and added, "Most have tested negative."

Regarding the rally, among the 30 people arrested on the spot, 25 police officers had contact with the confirmed case A, and 11 detainees were involved. A participated in the Gwanghwamun rally on the 15th and was arrested on charges of illegal activities. At around 1:20 a.m. on the 16th, A was admitted to the Gangnam Police Station detention center and was diagnosed with COVID-19 that morning. Existing detainees at the Gangnam Police Station detention center were transferred to the Gangdong Police Station.

Commissioner Jang said, "Whether everyone who attended the rally that day will be subject to testing will be decided by the quarantine authorities," adding, "However, we are continuously monitoring whether there are any symptomatic individuals. So far, we have been informed that no one has shown any particular symptoms, but we are watching closely and sensitively."

According to the police, about 6,000 riot police were mobilized for the Liberation Day rally. Commissioner Jang said, "We have various preparations such as replacement work systems in case a COVID-19 positive case emerges," adding, "We will focus on ensuring that there are no gaps in police officers protecting citizens' safety."

Meanwhile, at his first regular briefing since taking office that day, Commissioner Jang emphasized the future operational plan, saying, "The public will support and cheer if we show a confident stance during law enforcement," and added, "We must have fairness, capability, and professionalism to be confident." He further stated, "We plan to form a task force centered on the field to prioritize listening to opinions from the field."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.