One in Five Police Officers Dispatched to the 'Itaewon Disaster' Scene Reported Trauma

254 Police Officers Undergoing Psychological Therapy
Yongsan Police Station 'Counselors on Duty' Provide 30-40 Minute Consultations
Experts Emphasize Need for Adequate Time, Rest, and Job Reassignment

On the 4th, during the national mourning period following the Itaewon tragedy, citizens continue to visit the memorial space set up around Itaewon Station in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporters Jang Sehee and Gong Byungseon] It has been revealed that about one in five police officers dispatched to the Itaewon disaster site are suffering from trauma. Since this figure only includes those who expressed a desire for psychological counseling, the actual number of police officers experiencing trauma is expected to be much higher.

According to the 'Status of Emergency Psychological Support Applicants Related to the Itaewon Disaster' submitted by the National Police Agency to Lee Chae-ik, Chairman of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, as of the 20th, 254 out of 1,371 police officers dispatched to the scene on the day received psychological treatment.

In the case of Yongsan Police Station, which has jurisdiction over the Itaewon disaster site, 67 officers requested emergency psychological support, and 87% (58 officers) of them have completed treatment. They are reported to be struggling with depression, guilt, and difficulty maintaining daily life. The 67 officers represent 8.5% of the total personnel (784) at Yongsan Police Station, but when based on the number of personnel deployed on the day of the disaster (83), it exceeds 80%.

A police official said, "Although we do not separately track satisfaction with psychological treatment, the participation rate of Yongsan police officers in psychological treatment is low, with only about three officers coming for counseling per day," adding, "Itaewon Police Substation officers have to come to Yongsan Police Station for treatment, which is inconvenient as it is about an hour's walk." Another police official stated, "It is realistically difficult to apply for and receive counseling while working," and "Many do not receive treatment because they worry that if they do, it might burden others' work."

Emergency psychological support is a program where actual counselors are dispatched directly to police stations to provide about 30 to 40 minutes of psychological first aid. From the 14th to the 25th of this month, professional counselors have been assigned to Yongsan Police Station for two weeks to provide ▲ psychological support ▲ stress management methods ▲ connection to the Mind Companion service.

On the front lines, it appears that many are reluctant to apply, and satisfaction with the program is not high. A National Police Agency official said, "We are doing our best to support those who wish to receive help among those dispatched," and added, "Police officers who were not dispatched to the scene can receive counseling through the Mind Companion Center."

Experts say that fundamental solutions must be prepared alongside psychological counseling.

Professor Lee Woong-hyuk of Konkuk University's Department of Police Science said, "The fact that the number of applicants is not as high as expected is itself a bad sign," and added, "Considering that the former Yongsan Police Chief is currently under investigation and the intelligence chief committed suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may still be ongoing." He emphasized, "Along with emergency psychological counseling, practical solutions such as job reassignment during future personnel changes should be implemented."

Professor Kim Do-woo of Gyeongnam University's Department of Police Science said, "A culture that lightly regards trauma, such as not providing time to receive counseling, also hinders frontline police officers from undergoing psychological treatment," and added, "If psychological treatment is requested, institutional improvements such as guaranteeing sufficient time and rest should be made to increase participation."

Meanwhile, Kim Kwang-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, has stated that he will actively promote support measures in personnel, leadership, and budget, including dispatching riot police to stabilize Yongsan Police Station promptly.

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