“Personal protection lifted at Yoo Hae-jin’s request”... Police say “No special treatment” amid controversy over unequal treatment compared with the victim in a mother-in-law murder case

[Financial News]  Police have lifted the protection measures for actor Yoo Hae-jin, who had been under police protection amid controversy over historical distortion surrounding the film Assassin(s).
According to Yonhap News and other outlets on the 15th, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Go Beom-seok said that day, in response to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Kang Myeong-gu about whether Yoo was under personal protection, during the National Assembly’s audit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency by the Public Administration and Security Committee, “A request to lift the measures came yesterday or the day before, so we lifted them.”
Earlier, Seoul Seongbuk Police Station implemented safety measures on the 6th at the request of Yoo’s agency. It provided Yoo with a smartwatch, registered his information in the 112 system, and increased patrols around his home. However, no dedicated officers were assigned.
The measures followed growing concerns for his safety, as conservative groups had held protest rallies outside Yoo’s home since the 4th and threatening remarks had been posted online. Yoo’s side requested that the measures be lifted about a week after they were put in place.
At the audit that day, Kang pointed out that the protection measures for Yoo appeared to differ from those for ordinary citizens.
Citing the 2023 retaliatory murder case in Seoul’s Geumcheon District and the recent case in Songpa District involving the murder of a mother-in-law and the kidnapping of a wife, Kang pointedly asked, “According to the police’s judgment, doesn’t that mean they considered those victims to be in less danger than the actor?”
Commissioner Go replied, “He was not given special treatment because he is an actor,” adding, “We implemented protection measures after a review, in response to his agency’s request for safety measures.”
Regarding the Songpa District case, he explained, “The victim gave a statement about the victimization at Yongsan Police Station on August 22, and temporary measures were also implemented that day,” adding, “A smartwatch was also recommended, but the victim declined it at the time.”
He emphasized, “We will pay closer attention to ensure that ordinary citizens can live safely.”
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter