ELITE PROTECTION BUREAU

Gangnam (강남) — Seoul South Located south of the Han River (한강 / Hangang), Gangnam-gu (강남구) is one of Seoul’s most developed and influential districts. Known for its luxury buildings, elite education centres, business districts, and competitive academic culture, Gangnam represents ambition, wealth, and social pressure. The district becomes the central hub of the student crime network, where the syndicate exploits academic competition and the pressure to succeed. Gangbuk (강북) — Seoul North Gangbuk (강북) refers to the northern areas of Seoul, located across the Han River from Gangnam. Unlike the modern and affluent image of southern Seoul, Gangbuk is known for its older neighbourhoods, traditional markets, residential communities, and a more diverse social environment. The district becomes a place where the syndicate expands its influence through underground student networks. Gangseo (강서) — Seoul West Located in western Seoul, Gangseo-gu (강서구) is a district connected to major transportation routes, including Gimpo Airport (김포공항), and contains a mix of residential, industrial, and business areas. Due to its strategic location, the district becomes an ideal base for hidden operations. Gangdong (강동) — Seoul East Located in eastern Seoul, Gangdong-gu (강동구) is a residential district known for its expanding urban areas and communities near the eastern side of the Han River. The district becomes associated with the rise of organised student violence through underground training facilities disguised as gyms and martial arts studios.

SEOUL — The Elite Protection Bureau (EPB) has launched its Rookie Programme as the government-backed organisation seeks to expand its capacity in addressing serious issues within South Korea’s education system, including school violence, bullying, extortion, drug-related offences and cases involving abuse of influence. The bureau was established by South Korea’s Minister of Education, Koko Krunch, following growing concerns that existing school systems and disciplinary mechanisms were unable to effectively handle extreme cases and protect students and educators. Koko Krunch said EPB was created to provide stronger intervention in situations where conventional educational procedures fail to resolve serious violations of educational rights. “When existing systems are no longer enough to protect students and educators, there must be an institution capable of stepping in and ensuring accountability,” Koko Krunch said during EPB’s launch ceremony on Saturday (05/06). EPB is tasked with handling complex cases beyond the scope of ordinary school procedures, including investigating serious violations, supporting victims and responding to situations involving violence, intimidation and other threats to educational safety. To strengthen its workforce, EPB introduced the Rookie Programme, a two-month training pathway for new officers. The programme covers educational rights protection, case assessment, investigation techniques, conflict management and crisis response. Participants will undergo training under senior EPB officials and complete evaluations before receiving official appointments. EPB said candidates will be assessed not only on technical abilities, but also on integrity, emotional control, judgement and their ability to handle sensitive cases involving students and educators. “An EPB officer is not simply someone who enforces rules. They carry the responsibility of protecting people when existing systems fail,” said a senior EPB official identified by the initials KP. Education observers said EPB reflects growing concerns over the limitations of current responses to school violence. However, they also warned that organisations with expanded authority must maintain clear oversight and accountability. EPB said the Rookie Programme will become a key part of its long-term strategy to strengthen its operations and respond to educational rights violations.