Seoul Debuts Holographic Police to Boost Safety with High-Tech Presence
Virtual Officers Patrol the Streets to Deter Crime and Reassure Citizens
In a bold move to enhance public safety, Seoul has introduced life-sized holographic police officers on its streets. This futuristic initiative, spearheaded by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, aims to deter criminal activity while making citizens feel safer through smart technology.
These holographic officers, created by the UK-based company Hologramica, stand about 170 cm tall and appear each night between 7 PM and 10 PM at Jongno’s No. 3 Park, a central and busy public spot. They deliver pre-recorded messages to passersby, reminding them that the area is under constant surveillance and that illegal behavior will be met with immediate responses.
Although the holograms can’t physically intervene or detain suspects, their presence has had a standout psychological effect. Following the deployment of these virtual officers in October 2024, crime incidents in the area dropped by 22%, according to official reports.
Chief Ahn Dong-Hyun of Jungbu Police Station described the holograms as a “smart security device” that discourages wrongdoing and comforts the public without being intrusive.
Given the promising results, Seoul officials are now considering expanding the use of AI-powered holograms across more neighborhoods. That said, not all residents are convinced—some remain indifferent to the virtual watchmen.
Still, authorities see this as a low-cost, high-impact step toward future-ready public safety: combining AI and holographic tech to reduce crime and build peace of mind.