"We Can Manufacture Firearms If We Unite"... Police Closely Monitor SNS Comments on Jamsil Protest

"We Should Prepare a Last Line of Defense in Case of Suppression by Force"

As the 'Jamsil Counting Center Blockade Protest' continues to condemn the shortage of ballots in the June 3 local elections, a post suggesting the production of firearms appeared online, prompting police to launch an investigation.

On the 8th, participants are shouting slogans in front of the entrance of the Handball Gymnasium in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul, as the 'Jamsil Counting Center Blockade Protest' demanding a re-election in response to the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections continues. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to Yonhap News on June 8, the controversial comment posted on a social networking service (SNS) stated, "If we unite, we can manufacture firearms ourselves. We should prepare them as a last resort in case we are suppressed by force or suffer significant physical harm." The post continued, "I remember all the internal schematics of firearms," and added, "Those involved in the production of metal or gunpowder should contact me."

The comment has since been deleted, but screenshots have spread through online communities, leading internet users who saw it to announce their intention to report it. A police official stated, "We are continuing to analyze the situation."

If it is confirmed that the author actually attempted to manufacture homemade firearms, charges such as public intimidation or violation of the Firearms and Gunpowder Control Act could be applied. However, since the post did not share specific instructions for making firearms nor threaten any particular individual or group, some point out that it may be difficult to impose penalties based on the comment alone.

Meanwhile, the ongoing protest began around 10:00 a.m. on June 5, when the ballot box from Jamsil 7-dong—where the ballot shortage occurred—was transferred to the Olympic Park counting center. As of June 8, the protest has continued for the fourth consecutive day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.