Seoul Pilots Holographic Police Officer to Deter Nighttime Crime

In central Seoul, South Korea has introduced a life-sized holographic police officer as part of a public safety experiment aimed at deterring crime in busy nightlife areas. The holographic figure, projected every two minutes from 7 PM to 10 PM in Jeo-dong Park, is part of a broader strategy to test whether interactive visual deterrents can reduce unlawful behavior. Local police report that since the installation, crime rates in the area have decreased by approximately 22 percent. The projection features realistic movement and a recorded voice that interacts with passersby, creating an impression of continuous police presence without requiring physical officers on-site. Authorities are currently evaluating the program’s effectiveness and logistical costs before deciding whether to expand it to other urban districts. Residents and visitors have expressed mixed opinions—some praise the initiative as a clever use of technology to ensure public safety, while others question its long-term impact and visibility in discouraging more serious offenses. This trial demonstrates South Korea’s increasing integration of advanced technology into public administration and urban security management, reflecting the country’s broader trend of adopting high-tech solutions for everyday civic functions.