Police in Gwangju launched a search Monday after a bomb threat targeted a non-existent department store branch, dispatching special units to two locations but finding no explosives.

According to the Gwangju Dongbu and Seobu Police Stations, officers were dispatched after a 112 emergency call at 9:30 a.m. claimed a bomb had been planted at a Lotte Department Store in Gwangju’s Seo District, a branch that does not exist.

Special weapons units were sent to both the Lotte Department Store in Dong District and the Shinsegae Department Store in Seo District, but no explosives were located.

Because the threat was made before opening hours, there was no major disruption, though some employees were evacuated. The search concluded at around 12:25 p.m., and both stores are now operating normally. 

The incident follows the recent arrests of a middle school student and a man in his 20s over similar online bomb threats targeting department stores.