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Forty members of a gangster group, in their 20s and 30s, claiming to be successors to the 'Dongdaemun Division' led by the 1950s political gangster Lee Jung-jae, have been arrested by the police in Korea. This group was involved in various illicit activities, including group assaults, brawls, voice phishing, and operating investment leading rooms. It is important to note that the Lee Jung-jae referenced in this context is a historical figure who was involved in political violence during the Rhee Syng-man administration, distinct from the contemporary actor Lee Jung-jae.
The arrested individuals reportedly recruited former 'school bullies' from middle and high schools, subjecting them to strict organizational training in communal living spaces. New members were compelled to get '東大門' tattoos symbolizing the organization and were designated as 'emergency strike teams' to respond to conflicts with other gangs. The police identified 21 members from the Dongdaemunpa and 19 from allied groups including Sanggyepa, Itaewonpa, and Eaglespa, indicating a consolidated effort to establish their influence by invoking historical gang lineages.
Local bloggers highlight that this incident has reignited public interest in the historical figure Lee Jung-jae, who built his power base in the Dongdaemun market area and collaborated with political powers to disrupt opposition rallies. Bloggers emphasize his philosophy that power originates from organization rather than brute force, noting his efforts to gain public support by establishing the Dongdaemun Market Merchants Association.
