A late-night fax from across the Sea of Japan set Seoul’s security forces into swift action this week. As reported by Yonhap News Agency, the Korean foreign ministry received an unexpected message at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, triggering an immediate response from law enforcement.
The fax, written in Japanese and claiming to be from a Japanese lawyer, contained threats targeting several of South Korea’s most important institutions. The National Assembly and major political party headquarters were specifically mentioned, with the sender declaring intentions for action by 4:30 p.m. Monday.
Police responded with methodical precision. By Monday morning, they had completed a thorough search of the Democratic Party headquarters in Seoul’s Yeouido district, with plans to examine the People Power Party facilities in the afternoon. Their careful sweeps revealed no signs of explosives or hazardous materials at any location.
The investigation has taken an interesting turn as authorities note similarities to previous incidents. Police believe this may be connected to a series of threatening communications – both emails and faxes – that have been sent to major Korean organizations since August 2023.
The incident highlights the ongoing cooperation between security forces and political institutions in responding to potential threats, regardless of how they’re delivered. While the investigation continues, the swift and thorough response demonstrates the seriousness with which such communications are treated.
