SEOUL: Seoul Metropolitan Police are intensifying efforts to apprehend the individual responsible for commissioning graffiti vandalism at the historic Gyeongbok Palace. A 17-year-old, identified by his surname Im, was recently arrested for spray painting “free movie” in Korean on the walls of the palace and near the National Palace Museum of Korea. Investigation revealed that Im was paid 100,000 won to commit the act. The police are now conducting a digital forensic analysis of Im’s mobile phone and examining bank accounts and Telegram messages to locate the mastermind behind this crime.
According to Yonhap News Agency, National police chief Yoon Hee-keun has announced measures to enhance security around cultural heritage sites to prevent similar incidents. The Seoul Metropolitan Police plans to increase patrols near the five central Seoul palaces, including Gyeongbok Palace, deploying squad cars during the day and additional detective and riot police forces at night through the end of the month. These actions reflect the authorities’ commitment to protecting and preserving South Korea’s cultural heritage from vandalism and other illicit activities.