[Video] "9 Female Officers Against 1 Protester" Sparks Ridicule... 'Female Police Ineffectiveness' Debate Erupts Again

On the 24th, a video titled "Today's K-Female Police Officer" was uploaded to an online community, showing one female protester being subdued by nine female police officers. [Photo by Online Community]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Recently, a controversy over the 'reverse discrimination' of the riot police has erupted in online communities, claiming that male police officers (namgyeong) are treated worse within the police organization compared to female police officers (yeogyeong). This has led to the emergence of a 'female police uselessness theory.'

On the 24th, a post titled "Today's K-Female Police" was uploaded on an online community. The video attached to the post showed nine female police officers subduing one female protester during a demonstration.

On the 24th, a video titled "Today's K-Female Police Officer" was uploaded to an online community, showing one female protester being subdued by nine female police officers. [Photo by Online Community]

According to the police, a female protester holding an illegal rally in front of the Statue of Peace got into an argument with a YouTuber who was filming her without permission. When the protester charged at the YouTuber, six nearby female police officers surrounded her to block her movement. Then, three more female officers joined, making a total of nine female officers participating in subduing the protester. The protester, caught by the female officers, was dragged onto the sidewalk with one leg lifted, and the entire situation was captured on video.

The post's author sarcastically commented, "Six female officers couldn't restrain one woman, so they needed three more. K-Female Police are reliable." Following this, mocking and derogatory comments about female officers appeared, such as "If it were a man, how many times the labor cost would it take to do it alone?", "It would be better to hire female officers for standing duties," and "They should split the salary."

However, the police stated that "even if it had been male officers, several would have had to intervene," suggesting that the criticism was excessive. They explained, "It would be easier if one officer could handcuff or use physical force to subdue, but since we try to minimize the use of force, multiple officers have to get involved."

Meanwhile, earlier, an employee presumed to be a male police officer posted on the anonymous workplace community 'Blind' claiming that the workload of the female riot police unit was significantly lighter than that of the male riot police unit, sparking controversy over reverse discrimination.

Subsequently, through the same community, claims continued that female officers enjoy better working conditions than male officers in terms of on-duty shifts, bus equipment, and work convenience, further fueling the reverse discrimination debate.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In this regard, Police Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong stated that "the roles and duties of male and female riot police units are different."

At a press conference on the 19th, Commissioner Kim said, "(Regarding the controversy over male and female riot police units) basically, they are the same riot police units, but since their roles and duties differ slightly, their working methods cannot be exactly the same." He explained that there are only two female riot police units, so their duties differ. He added, "There may be thoughts that female riot police receive special treatment, but we will review this again and seek understanding where necessary."

Meanwhile, amid the rise of the 'female police uselessness theory' in online communities, some voices have opposed it. They argue that there are clearly investigative areas that female officers must handle, such as sex crimes and child abuse. The late Park Won-soon, former Seoul mayor's sexual harassment case is also an example.

Overall, it is pointed out that female officers perform a wide range of duties, including investigation, arrest, victim human rights, and personal protection. Criticism that focuses on a single scene from duties like rallies or protests to claim 'uselessness' is considered a narrow and superficial argument that ignores the unique nature and environment of the work only female officers can perform.

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