Increase in Prohibited Items Found Alongside Weapon Rampages... "National Assembly Security Awareness Must Be Raised"

Increase in Disorderly Conduct Outside Government Buildings

With two stabbing incidents occurring in the National Assembly just last month, voices are rising calling for strengthened security both inside and outside the Assembly. The number of cases involving the detection of prohibited items such as weapons brought into the National Assembly, as well as disturbances inside and outside the premises, has been increasing every year.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to data received by Asia Economy from the National Assembly Secretariat on the 25th, the number of cases of prohibited items detected inside the building from January to September this year was 2,627. Among these, 667 cases involved bladed weapons, and 1,960 cases involved protest items. The number of detected prohibited items decreased from 2,729 cases in 2020 to 795 cases in 2021, then increased to 2,221 cases in 2022, and this year has already surpassed last year’s total. In most cases involving bladed weapons, visitors were carrying them, and the Secretariat explained that these items were stored upon entering the building and returned when leaving.

Additionally, from January to September this year, there were a total of 74 disorderly conduct incidents at the National Assembly, with 13 occurring inside the building and 61 outside. Notably, the number of incidents outside the building has already reached a level similar to last year’s 65 cases, showing a rising trend from 17 cases in 2019, 25 in 2020, and 33 in 2021. According to the National Assembly Building Management Regulations, disorderly conduct includes ▲property damage ▲violation of prohibited items regulations ▲occupations ▲assemblies and protests ▲disturbances.

Two Stabbing Incidents in the National Assembly Last Month... "Worries About Visitors' Disturbances"

There were two stabbing incidents in the National Assembly last month alone. On the afternoon of the 14th, at the hunger strike site of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, set up in front of the National Assembly main building, Kim (56, female) wielded a weapon against three police officers. The injured officers were transported to the hospital, with one undergoing suturing surgery. Then, on the afternoon of the 15th, Kim (73, male) caused a disturbance in front of the Democratic Party leader’s office and attempted self-harm with a weapon. At that time, the parliamentary security staff subdued Kim and removed him from the premises. Aside from damage to Kim’s finger, no one else was injured.

On the 14th, an incident occurred at the Democratic Party of Korea's hunger strike site installed in front of the National Assembly main building, where a police officer was injured by a weapon wielded by a citizen.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Staff working at the National Assembly sometimes face precarious situations due to visitors’ disturbances. One secretary said, "There are cases where the behavior of visitors is suspicious, and National Assembly security refuses entry. Sometimes, visitors make dangerous statements such as threatening to take extreme actions or self-harm." He added, "There was an incident where a visitor protested and climbed to a high place threatening to jump, prompting firefighters to respond." There are also cases where visiting complainants are not properly controlled. Another secretary expressed concern, saying, "Some visitors say they are coming to our member’s office but go to other offices to protest. Although the National Assembly security does their best, there may still be vulnerabilities." Over the past five years, there have been 152 incidents of disturbances inside the building, the highest among all disorderly conduct cases (233 cases).

Strict Entry Controls Overseas... "Security Must Be Strengthened"

Some advanced countries conduct thorough inspections even to enter the parliamentary premises. According to the Korea Legislation Research Institute’s study on “Improvement Measures for National Assembly Security and Order Maintenance Legislation,” in France, everyone visiting the National Assembly must have their identity and destination verified at the outer gate before entry. Separate entrances are installed for members and staff, and for visitors. Similarly, in Germany, identity verification is conducted at the outer entrance of the parliament building, and entrances are divided into member-only, staff-only, and general visitor gates for controlled access.

In South Korea, National Assembly security personnel do not have the authority to inquire about the purpose of visits at the entrance gates. Since some areas are used as public spaces such as marts, restaurants, and parks, security checks are only conducted when visiting official work facilities. A National Assembly Secretariat official explained, "If prohibited items that are visibly difficult to bring in are seen, visitors are informed that they cannot be brought in," adding, "Actual guidance about the destination is provided at information desks in each building."

Experts suggest that security screenings tailored to South Korea’s characteristics should be conducted, while raising awareness of the possibility of incidents. Professor Lim Joon-tae of Dongguk University’s Department of Police Administration said, "Unlike overseas, South Korea does not have visible threats such as firearms possession or terrorism, so security may not be taken seriously. However, security should be strengthened to a level comparable to that of airplane boarding checks to prepare for threats." Professor Lee Geon-soo of Baekseok University’s Department of Police Science stated, "Since this is a safety issue, internal personnel should be controlled without distinction from outsiders."

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