"Not Defending Female Officer Leaving Scene, But Police Are Also Workers"…Criticism Floods Post Presumed from Active Police Officer

"Freedom to Criticize, but Weak Public Authority Is the Problem" Controversy Over Blind Post

Police officer. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Amid controversy over the police's inadequate response to the Incheon stabbing incident, an online community post presumed to be written by an active police officer has become a hot topic. The author stated, "I'm not defending the female police officer in Incheon, but police officers are also 'office workers,'" and argued that rather than criticism, police authority should be strengthened.

On the 22nd, an anonymous workplace community called Blind posted an article titled "Personal Opinion on the Female Police Officer Incident." The author, identified as A, introduced their workplace as the "National Police Agency."

A said, "I'm not defending the female police officer in Incheon, but the job of a police officer itself is a 'worker' operating within the framework of the law," adding, "Of course, a sense of mission is necessary, but such abstract language only resonates with police officers who have faced the harsh realities; ordinary citizens do not empathize at all."

Regarding the Incheon stabbing incident, A argued, "Would a suspect wielding a knife surrender with both hands raised just because a gun is drawn, like in the movies? That situation is only possible in the United States. In such a scenario, seeing a gun might further agitate the suspect, and you never know what they might do with the knife."

He continued, "No one can understand the situation until they see the scene. Most police officers would not choose to run away in that situation, but unless you are the person who directly experienced the scene, you cannot explain the urgency. The fear when someone is holding a knife in such a confined space must be tremendous."

A post titled "Personal Opinion on the Female Police Officer Incident" uploaded on the 22nd to the anonymous workplace community Blind. Photo by Blind capture.

A referred to the stabbing incident involving a Chinese national in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, on the 2nd, saying, "Can't you see that even when someone resists with a knife like that, the police can't shoot immediately? That's the reality of our country's laws." In that incident, when the Chinese man threatened with a weapon, the police engaged in a standoff for about 20 minutes before subduing him with live ammunition.

A explained, "It's better to get stabbed once after being beaten to death with a baton. Everyone probably desperately hoped someone would draw their gun and shoot first," adding, "Because when something happens, that person ends up taking all the blame."

He also said it is difficult for police to make judgments and take action in urgent situations, stating, "We don't even know what kind of person they are, and we can't just shoot immediately because they have a knife. There are rules like three surrender commands, aiming below the thigh, standards for physical use, and only when lethal violence is possible. How can you judge and implement all this in such a short moment on the scene? Prosecutors and judges apply the law by reading references, but police have to make immediate decisions upon seeing the situation."

A further urged, "While it is free to criticize this incident, rather than putting effort into tearing down the police, I hope you all unite to help strengthen our public authority so that such incidents do not happen again."

The post's comments continued with criticism. Netizens responded with remarks such as, "Is that why you left the suspect and victim behind because you didn't want to write a report on the use of physical force?" "Anyone who wants to become a police officer just as a job should quit on their own," and "If the police atmosphere is similar to this person's opinion, it's really disappointing." On the other hand, some comments expressed, "I hope public authority is strengthened through this opportunity," and "I understand the realistic limitations."

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