A popular new Call of Duty video game featuring a fictional war scenario where players battle North Korean forces in the heart of Seoul and advance to Pyongyang to destroy statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il has become a major topic of discussion.
Amid this buzz, a conversation surrounding the game at an airport recently led to a bomb threat misunderstanding, prompting an evacuation of passengers.
According to CBS, a passenger aboard a departing aircraft at Ontario International Airport on the 8th used the words bomb and explosion while playing Call of Duty. Another passenger nearby overheard the conversation and reported it to authorities, leading to a temporary suspension of flight operations.
The incident caused all passengers in Terminal 2 to be evacuated, and the traveler who made the remarks was subjected to police questioning.
An investigation revealed that the passenger was on a video call with a friend, discussing an explosive combat situation within the Call of Duty game. A search of the aircraft yielded no explosives, and police determined there was no criminal intent. All passengers were subsequently allowed to reboard.
Gaming media outlet IGN reported that the two individuals were likely discussing the recently released Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, though the exact title discussed could not be officially confirmed.
The Call of Duty series is a representative first-person shooter (FPS) game where players experience combat from a soldier’s perspective. Since its initial release in 2003, it has gained global popularity by covering various historical and futuristic conflicts ranging from World War II to modern and futuristic warfare. Key features include cinematic direction reminiscent of movies, such as infiltrating enemy lines and cooperative operations with fellow soldiers, alongside realistic weapon depictions.
Meanwhile, the recently released series installment, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, has drawn significant attention since its launch on the 23rd of last month. Its realistic graphics and in-game scenarios have gained viral traction on YouTube and other platforms, being introduced much like cinematic films. The game is set against the backdrop of the Korean Peninsula in 2026, featuring a fictional premise where a North Korean invasion triggers a second Korean War, with South Korean and U.S. forces fighting back.
Players step into the shoes of the protagonist, engaging in combat against North Korean forces in downtown Seoul and participating in the advance toward Pyongyang, which includes combat sequences where statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il are destroyed.
The new release generated immense interest in the Southern California area even prior to its launch. Last month, an experiential pop-up store replicating a Korean alleyway was set up on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, hosting mission-based gameplay events for visitors. Additionally, large promotional advertisements parodying North Korean propaganda posters were installed at major hubs across downtown Los Angeles.
