[KoreaUrbanLegend] doorbell ghost story
This incident involves a series of mysterious markings discovered in various locations across Seoul and other regions starting from December 2009. The markings, consisting of obscure Greek and Latin letters, were found next to doorbells on office-tel, one-room apartments, and mixed-use buildings. The sightings of these markings triggered widespread concern among residents, as the identities of those responsible remained unknown due to the lack of CCTV evidence.
1. Origin The incident began with the discovery of markings in Seoul's Gwanak District. The markings, such as 'α, X... β, XX... J... K', were found next to doorbells and were reported simultaneously across several locations. The lack of CCTV footage of the perpetrators made their identity even more mysterious and heightened the residents' fears.
2. Speculations Various theories have emerged regarding the meaning or purpose of these markings:
- Link to Crime: It is speculated that these markings are used by criminals or burglars to identify targets. However, there is a counter-argument that leaving such markings would only increase suspicion and caution, which might deter criminals.
- Delivery Personnel: Another theory suggests that delivery workers used these markings to encode information about the houses they visited. However, it is questioned whether delivery personnel would need to use such a method.
- Cults or Religious Groups: Some speculate that cults or religious groups might have used these markings for their outreach activities. Nonetheless, there is a lack of concrete evidence supporting this theory.
- Children's Pranks: There is also a theory that these markings are simply the result of children's pranks. However, it seems unlikely that children would create such systematic markings.
- Combination Theory: Some suggest that a combination of delivery personnel and criminals or cult members could be behind these markings.
3. Ongoing Situation As the incident gained media attention, the police launched an investigation, but no clear perpetrator or motive has been identified yet. Similar markings have been found in various regions, and some cases have been linked to specific crimes or identified as mere pranks.
4. Notable Cases
- 2014: In Daegu, a case was reported where a burglar marked doorbells with a $ symbol.
- 2016: An incident involving the intrusion of a government building in Seoul was linked to markings left by cleaning staff for convenience, which stirred public criticism.
- 2018: In the UK, there were reports of pet thieves marking houses with symbols similar to those in the original incidents.
- 2022: In Seoul's Songpa District, numbers and names were found on a fire hydrant, which were later identified as markings by a postal worker to avoid confusion.
The incident remains unresolved with various interpretations and explanations. While it could be seen as a simple prank, it might also be a sign of more serious criminal activities. It is crucial for local communities and the police to monitor the situation closely and thoroughly investigate any discovered markings.