The police have launched an investigation into a post that sparked controversy for mocking a medical student, who is a bereaved family member of the Jeju Air disaster, in an online community accessible only to doctors and medical students.
The Korean National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters stated on the 4th that as of 5 p.m. on the 3rd, they began a pre-investigation into 86 malicious posts, including one insulting the bereaved medical student.
Among these, five cases have seen search and seizure warrants executed to identify the posters, while 44 cases are awaiting court-issued warrants.
For the remaining 37 cases, consultations are underway with the prosecution, community operators, and others regarding methods to secure investigative materials.
On the 1st, a post titled "Respect for the spirit of studying for the national exam at the accident site tent" appeared in the 'Medistaff' online community for doctors and medical students. The post included a captured interview article of a medical student, A, in their 20s who lost their mother in the Jeju Air disaster.
In the interview, A said, “My mother (the victim) would not have wanted me to study for another year because of not taking this exam properly,” indicating preparation for the medical licensing exam in a disaster relief tent.
The post was followed by malicious comments such as “The child is guilty, but the parent got punished,” and “What you sow is what you reap.”
The police are continuing efforts to verify the identities of the authors. They are also investigating a YouTube channel that posted false videos claiming a firefighter died during rescue operations.
Additionally, the police reported receiving a complaint from a representative of the bereaved families urging punishment for malicious posts targeting victims and bereaved families, and they are closely reviewing all reports and tips submitted both on-site at Muan International Airport and online.
Earlier on the morning of the same day, Choi Sang-mok, acting president's deputy and Minister of Strategy and Finance, also urged a strong response from the police during the ninth meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters. Choi stated, "Acts of defaming and insulting victims and their families are clear criminal acts," asserting that "the government will respond strictly according to the law without tolerance for such acts."