Korean Version of Catcalling? Warning for 'Tonghwaman' at Seoul National University Station... Pretending to Talk on Phone for Sexual Harassment and Obscene Talk

Only Minor Penalties Around 50,000 Won Imposed, Leading to Eventual Report Abandonment

According to the police on the 29th, an unidentified man has been closely approaching multiple unspecified women around Seoul National University Station in Gwanak-gu, making obscene or sexually harassing remarks. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] An unidentified young man has been repeatedly sexually harassing women on their way to work by pretending to be on the phone, but the punishment has not been effective, causing victims to express anxiety.

According to the police on the 29th, around 8:20 to 9:00 a.m. in the area near Seoul National University Station in Gwanak-gu, a man estimated to be in his 30s appeared and reportedly approached various women going to work or school, making obscene remarks or sexually harassing comments.

The man was said to hold a smartphone to his ear as if talking to someone, while evaluating the appearance of women present and boasting about his sexual experiences.

Although several victims reported the incidents to the police, the perpetrator has not yet been caught.

The victim, who suffered extreme stress fearing encounters with this man every morning, gave up on filing a formal complaint after consulting with the Women and Youth Division and the police, learning that even if the man is caught, the current law only imposes minimal punishment.

The police explained that the "phone call man" case falls under "causing anxiety" according to the Minor Offenses Act, resulting in a fine of 50,000 won, which has limited deterrent effect.

Following repeated reports, the police have deployed plainclothes officers and increased patrols in the area where the man frequently appears to prevent further harm, regardless of the level of punishment.

Korea's "phone call man" case is similar to the foreign phenomenon known as "catcalling." In France, to prevent catcalling crimes, the "Cat-calling Law" was enacted in August 2018. This law imposes immediate fines ranging from 90 to 750 euros (approximately 120,000 to 1,000,000 won) on those who whistle or make flirtatious advances to women in public places.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.