Man Dies After Arrest for Trespassing & Vandalism in Paju, Gyeonggi Province

A 70-year-old man was arrested in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, after being found walking in a park with a 1-meter-long sword, according to a report from the Gyeonggi Northern Police Agency. The incident, which occurred on February 24, 2026, prompted a swift response from law enforcement following an emergency call.

Details of the Incident

Police responded to a “Code Zero” 112 emergency call – the equivalent of a 911 call in the United States – at approximately 10:05 PM on February 24th near the Gunpo Stream in Paju. Upon arrival, officers apprehended the man, identified as Mr. A, who was carrying a sheathed sword measuring a total of 1 meter in length, with a blade measuring 70 centimeters. The Gyeonggi Northern Police Agency’s Mobile Patrol Team confirmed the arrest.

The arrest stems from concerns about carrying a deadly weapon in a public space and the anxiety it caused among citizens. According to police reports, Mr. A was walking along a public path when he was observed with the sword. The presence of the weapon led to the emergency call and subsequent police intervention.

Legal Ramifications and Investigation

Possession of the sword is a legal issue, as the weapon was not officially registered with the police. South Korean law requires individuals to obtain a ‘Permit for Sword Possession’ before legally owning a sword. Carrying an unregistered sword in a public place constitutes a violation of this law. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr. A’s actions.

During questioning, Mr. A reportedly stated that he carried the sword for self-protection, citing a previous negative encounter with another individual. A police official, speaking to JTBC, indicated that Mr. A had not been consuming alcohol at the time of the incident and showed no apparent signs of mental illness. The investigation is focused on verifying the details of Mr. A’s account and determining the full extent of his intentions.

Public Safety and Concerns

The incident raises questions about public safety and the carrying of weapons in public spaces. While Mr. A claimed self-defense as his motivation, the presence of a 1-meter-long sword understandably caused alarm among those nearby. The swift response by the Paju police demonstrates a commitment to addressing such concerns and maintaining public order.

The case also highlights the importance of adhering to legal regulations regarding weapon ownership and carrying. The requirement for a ‘Permit for Sword Possession’ is designed to ensure that individuals who possess such weapons are properly vetted and understand the responsibilities associated with ownership. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to legal consequences, as seen in this case.

Related Incident in Paju

This incident is not isolated within the Paju region. Separately, a man in his 50s was previously arrested for damaging military facilities at Tongil Bridge in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, indicating a pattern of disturbances in the area. While the two cases are distinct, they both underscore the need for vigilance and proactive law enforcement in maintaining public safety.

Context and Further Investigation

The investigation into Mr. A’s actions is ongoing. Police are working to determine the specifics of the previous incident that prompted him to arm himself and to assess whether his actions posed a genuine threat to public safety. The outcome of the investigation will likely influence any further legal proceedings.

This case serves as a reminder of the legal framework surrounding weapon possession and the potential consequences of violating those laws. It also highlights the importance of addressing concerns about public safety and ensuring a secure environment for all citizens. The Paju Police Station continues to investigate the matter and will provide updates as they become available.