Half of 'Bomb Threats' and 'Murder Warnings' Committed by People in Their 20s and 30s... What's Behind It?

Of the 48 Suspects Apprehended, 24 Are in Their 20s and 30s
Most Common Motive: Discontent Toward Society or Specific Groups

It has been revealed that a significant number of public threat crimes, including false bomb threats that incite public anxiety, have been committed by individuals in their 20s and 30s. The most common motive for these crimes was social dissatisfaction and conflict.

On the 5th of last month, a threatening message claiming that an explosive device had been planted at the Shinsegae Department Store main branch in Myeongdong was posted. After receiving the report, the police special forces completed their search and are seen moving away. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to data submitted by the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Justice to Assemblyman Song Seokjun, a member of the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee, on September 29, out of 72 cases of public threat crimes that occurred between March 18, when the law was enacted, and July, 48 suspects were apprehended by investigative authorities. Of these, half (24 people) were in their 20s and 30s. This was followed by those in their 60s (8 people), 50s (7 people), 40s (5 people), 70s and older (3 people), and teenagers (1 person).

When looking at the motives behind the crimes, 'dissatisfaction with society or specific groups' was the most common, accounting for 13 people. Other motives included negligence (10 people), conflicts of interest or venting anger at a third party (4 people), mental illness (1 person), and financial hardship (1 person). There were also 2 cases classified as having no particular reason. Incidents stemming from social dissatisfaction and conflict totaled 17 cases, accounting for about one-third of the total.

The government has stated that public threat crimes not only cause public anxiety but also result in business losses for small business owners and waste of public resources. As a result, civil liability is being pursued in addition to criminal punishment. The Ministry of Justice filed damage claims totaling 88.8 million won in 2023 for cases such as the 'Sillim Station murder threat,' 'terror and murder threats at five airports,' and the 'professional volleyball team stabbing threat.' In the Sillim Station case, the full amount of approximately 43.7 million won was awarded in the first trial, and in the professional volleyball team case, a compensation recommendation of about 12.5 million won was finalized.

Assemblyman Song emphasized, "Public threat crimes have a serious negative impact on the public, small business owners, and public authorities," adding, "It is necessary to thoroughly analyze the characteristics and motives by age group to develop effective prevention measures."

Meanwhile, the public threat crime law targets acts of threatening unspecified or large numbers of people with harm to their lives or bodies. Violators face imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 20 million won.

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