전국 지방법원에 ‘폭발물 설치’ 협박 메일…“일본발 허위 협박 추정”

Explosive threat emails have been received by local courts across the country, prompting police to search some courthouse entrances. However, no explosive devices have been discovered and police suspect the reports may be false. On June 26, emails warning of "installing explosive devices in the courts" were sent to over 40 local courts in Seoul and other parts of the country.

The emails claimed that an explosive device would detonate between 1:34 pm and 7:30 pm. The emails appeared to be sent from a single email address and used the name of a Japanese singer. Police believe this is a case of a false report, similar to a "Japanese-made explosion threat" that caused issues last year. Police stated that the time "1:34 pm" was taken from the result of a 2005 Japanese Pro Baseball championship where the Lotte Marines defeated the Seibu Tigers 33-4, a term in Japan meaning "embarrassing."

Police said the perpetrators likely use such false reports to create chaos as people flee and police arrive. Police have searched some courthouses based on risk level and sent special police units to handle the situation where requested. Police say no dangerous materials were found. The Seoul metropolitan police cyber investigation team will handle the investigation into the first report.

The Seoul police station where the report was first received said the email address may be related to previous crimes and the investigation is ongoing into whether the email originated from Japan.