"Prince of the Sand Arena" Professor Lee Taehyun and Gumi Police Station Successfully Host "SPO School Attack!" Event

Presenting a New Model for Crime Prevention Education Through Sports
Over 500 Elementary Students Energize the Auditorium in a Unique Ssireum Event

On November 6, the Gumi Police Station in North Gyeongsang Province, led by Chief Yoo Ojae, visited Songjeong Elementary School and Hyeongnam Elementary School in succession, successfully hosting the "SPO School Attack!" event with over 500 students. The event presented a new model for crime prevention education through sports.

This event was organized under the theme that "the best crime prevention is for children to channel their abundant energy in a healthy way through sports activities."

The auditoriums of both schools were filled with enthusiastic cheers as Professor Lee Taehyun of Yongin University, known as the "Prince of the Sand Arena," and the Gumi City Hall Ssireum Team made a full appearance.

Breaking away from traditional lecture-based education, students participated in an experiential program where they learned the basic stances and techniques of Ssireum firsthand. Professor Lee Taehyun sparked their interest by explaining the history and spirit of Ssireum, while the athletes' impressive demonstrations captivated the children's attention.

The excitement peaked when students got to grip the satba and compete directly against the Ssireum athletes, with the auditorium erupting in cheers and creating an electrifying atmosphere.

(Left) Professor Lee Taehyun explains the history and spirit of Ssireum (Right) After experiencing Ssireum, special prevention education is provided by School Police Officers (SPO) Photo by Kim Ihwan

After the exhilarating Ssireum experience, special prevention education was naturally continued by School Police Officers (SPO).

Students learned about the dangers of illegal financial transactions by chanting, "Never lend your bank account or ID!" They practiced saying, "No! I don't want to!" as part of sexual crime and abduction prevention training, learning how not to follow strangers.

During the education on public intimidation crimes, they deeply internalized the message that making prank calls or false bomb threats-actions that cause public anxiety-are serious crimes (public intimidation crimes) that can prevent real victims from getting help. Thanks to their enthusiastic participation, the students' focus and understanding were evaluated to be higher than ever before.

The Chief of Gumi Police Station stated, "This event proved just how attractive the traditional sport of Ssireum is, even for our children who are so accustomed to digital devices. Guiding children's energy in a healthy way through Ssireum, a sport that can be enjoyed across generations, is the best form of crime prevention. This event was a successful collaborative model created by the police, sports stars, and the local community."

Meanwhile, Gumi Police Station plans to continue leading youth protection efforts by strengthening youth guidance activities during the upcoming college entrance exam period and winter vacation.