South Korea deploys bizarre hologram cop to deter crime – but it’s actually working

Seoul’s latest police officer isn’t human – it’s a handsome and futuristic holographic cop with a great skincare routine, and statistics show he’s succeeding at reducing crime in the capital city

Hunky 3D holographic cops have hit the streets of South Korea in a bid to deter crime at night. In Jeo-dong Park, a busy nightlife neighbourhood of the capital city, every now and then a 170cm tall uniformed police officer materialises out of thin air to tell passersby that CCTV is fitted nearby.

The officers were installed last October as a deterrent to drunken violence and robbery, and it has since been proven that they are working.

“In case of an emergency, the police will be dispatched in real time. CCTV is installed here,” the holographic officer says. Two minutes later, he vanishes into thin air, before reappearing and repeating his message to the people of Seoul.

The cop is projected onto a sheet of acrylic plastic between 7pm and 10pm each evening. It is fitted with an AI-powered camera.

Developed by UK-based company Hologramica, the futuristic apparition first appeared in October 2024, under a pilot initiative.

Ahn Dong-hyun, the chief of Jungbu police station, said: “But it has been confirmed that the mere presence of a hologram can reduce the possibility of crime.”

Although a hologram can’t put you in handcuffs, studies show that psychologically surveillance like CCTV and patrolling cops reduce burglaries and street theft. Human cops aren’t far and will be sent in an emergency.

According to Seoul Metropolitan Police data, the hologram’s presence appears to have led to an estimated 22% reduction in reported incidents within the area.

South Korea is already known to be one of the safest countries in the world, ranking at number 10 globally. Seoul is the joint eighth safest city.

But it is also reportedly one of the drunkest countries in Asia, and Jeo-dong Park sees frequent complaints of drink-driving and assault.

South Korea’s overall crime rate reached its lowest in a decade in 2021, but public concern over violent crime has increased recently due to a few high-profile attacks.

Petty theft is more common in crowded tourist areas, and advice for visitors includes staying alert and being cautious in entertainment and nightlife districts.

The police chief added: “The hologram guide serves as a smart policing tool that boosts the public’s sense of security while deterring unruly behaviour,” he said. “We will continue expanding crime prevention measures using AI technology to create safer and more welcoming parks for our citizens.”

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