South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced on Wednesday that the government is exploring reinstating a system that permits military conscripts to serve within the police force. This move comes as a response to recent heinous crimes, such as the rape and murder of a woman on a hiking trail last week and consecutive stabbing incidents. Han stressed that these random attacks on innocent citizens pose a significant threat to order. The conscripted police system, established in 1982, was abolished in April. Talks are underway with the defense ministry to recruit between 7,500 and 8,000 conscripted police personnel, with a potential implementation time of seven to eight months.

The surge in crime, further exacerbated by online threats, has amplified public concern, leading to increased street patrols and stop-and-search operations for individuals exhibiting “suspicious behavior.” Han underscored that police patrols will persist until public unease abates. Additionally, the government is mulling over a law that mandates life sentences without parole for those convicted of heinous crimes.