Arrest of a Teenager Wielding a Stabbing Weapon in Gwangju City Center, First Application of the Law on Possession of a Stabbing Weapon in Public Places

A teenager was caught by the police while wandering around with a stabbing weapon in the middle of downtown Gwangju. This marks the first recorded application of the law on possession of a stabbing weapon in public places, which took effect last month.

The Gwangju East Police Station stated, "We arrested Mr. A (19) on charges of possession of a stabbing weapon in a public place."

Mr. A is suspected of wandering the streets of Dong-gu, Gwangju, while carrying a stabbing weapon around 9:40 PM on the 15th.

He was immediately apprehended at the scene following a report from a citizen received by the police. According to the police investigation, it was determined that he went out into the street with the weapon after having a verbal argument with his father at home.

Leaving home with a stabbing weapon in a fit of anger

The law on possession of a stabbing weapon in public places is a new legal measure to ensure public safety.

This law, which has been in effect since the 8th of last month, punishes those who carry a stabbing weapon capable of causing harm to a person's life or body in public places such as roads or parks, instigating anxiety or fear, with up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won.

The police have taken emergency hospitalization measures for Mr. A at the request of his family while investigating the details of the incident.

Image source: Reference material for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank, Gwangju East Police Station / News1