Police in Seoul are experimenting with a unique way to make people feel safer. In one of the city’s busy districts, a hologram police officer has been introduced as part of a crime-prevention project.
Every evening, between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., residents visiting Jodong No. 3 Park see what appears to be a uniformed officer more than 170 cm tall. This figure reminds them that help is available immediately in case of an emergency. At first glance, the officer looks real. But in reality, it is a 3D hologram created to provide psychological comfort and discourage criminal activity.
The holographic officer was developed by Holographica, a South Korean technology company specializing in hologram materials. Installed in the park on a trial basis last October, the project has already shown promising results. Data released by local authorities reveals that since its installation, reported crimes in the park have dropped by nearly 22 percent.
Officials say this is a remarkable achievement. “The hologram sign is a smart security device that enhances protection for citizens and prevents mismanagement,” explained On Dong Huan, Chief of Jungbo Police Station. He added that police aim to expand the use of such technology by incorporating artificial intelligence. “We want to create park environments where citizens can feel safe.”
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency highlighted that while the hologram cannot arrest criminals, its presence alone serves as a deterrent. The visible figure of a police officer which is real or not, creates a sense of vigilance. Many residents feel reassured simply knowing the area is being monitored, even if by virtual means.
Still, reactions have been mixed. Some people praised the initiative, calling it a creative way to blend technology with public safety. Others, however, were less convinced. Online comments compared the hologram to a “ghost policeman” patrolling the park. A few even joked that crime may have dropped only because people were too scared to visit the park after seeing the hologram.
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One commenter wrote, “What nonsense is this? A police ghost is patrolling here, what are they thinking?”
Despite the skepticism, the program reflects South Korea’s growing interest in using advanced technology for community welfare. Authorities believe that such tools can create safer environments in public spaces, especially when combined with surveillance cameras and traditional policing.
The hologram’s presence also brings out an important psychological aspect: people are less likely to commit crimes when they believe they are being watched. Even a virtual officer can remind citizens that law enforcement is close at hand.
For now, the hologram officer remains in Jodong No. 3 Park as part of a test project. If the results continue to be positive, police say the system could be expanded to other areas of Seoul. The goal is not to replace human officers but to support them by reducing petty crimes and increasing the public’s sense of safety.
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