SEOUL — In a bid to enhance urban safety through technology, South Korea has deployed a life-size holographic police officer in a central Seoul park — and early data shows it is working. Since its installation earlier this year, crime reports during the hologram’s active hours have dropped by approximately 22 percent, according to figures released by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

The 1.7-meter 3D projection, modeled after a real officer and dressed in full uniform, has become a familiar sight for visitors and residents alike. Officials said the hologram was designed to operate year-round, its attire chosen for suitability across all seasons. The installation has also garnered positive feedback from the park’s sizeable foreign community, who reportedly find comfort in the presence of a visible—albeit virtual—authority figure.

Domestic Reactions: A Symbol of Safety and Innovation

Local media outlets, including The Chosun Daily and E-Daily, have hailed the holographic officer as a “symbol of next-generation policing.” Seoul officials noted that the experiment aims to reinforce safety in public spaces without increasing personnel costs, while simultaneously showcasing Korea’s technological prowess in public administration.

Citizens interviewed by domestic broadcasters described the hologram as “reassuring” and “innovative,” particularly in areas where physical police presence is limited. Some, however, questioned its long-term deterrence effect once the novelty fades.

International Response: A Global Test Case for Smart Policing

The initiative has attracted international media coverage, with outlets across Japan, Singapore, and Europe analyzing the pilot as part of a broader global trend toward AI-assisted and contactless policing. Experts in urban security and public AI ethics have praised Seoul’s approach for blending deterrence with accessibility, while cautioning against overreliance on visual surveillance measures.

Several cities—including Tokyo, Dubai, and Helsinki—are reportedly monitoring the Seoul project closely as they explore their own smart policing technologies.

A Human-Technology Partnership to Keep the City Safe and Welcoming

Police officials confirmed that if results remain positive, similar holograms may be deployed in other public areas such as subway stations and tourist districts. The Seoul Metropolitan Government emphasized that the project represents “a human-technology partnership to keep the city safe and welcoming.”

As one city official summarized, “The hologram isn’t meant to replace officers — it’s meant to remind citizens that safety and innovation can stand side by side.” (zai)