Strengthening 'Sombangmangi' Stalking Punishment Law.. Democratic Party "Will Pass in March"

Misdemeanor-Level Sentencing... Strengthened Stalking Punishment
Ruling Party: "Must Pass in March"

Im Ho-seon (from left), Hwang Un-ha, Jeong Chun-sook, and Park Ju-min, members of the Democratic Party of Korea, are holding a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 15th, urging the passage of the Stalking Punishment Act in the March National Assembly session. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the 15th, Park Jumin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged the passage of the 'Stalking Punishment Act' in the March National Assembly session. The purpose is to strengthen the sentencing for stalking crimes, which currently only result in a "light punishment" of a 100,000 won fine, and to raise awareness of stalking as a social crime.

Park, along with lawmakers Jeong Chunsook, Hwang Unha, and Lim Hoseon, held a press conference at the National Assembly that morning, stating, "We will ensure that a proper Stalking Punishment Act is enacted in the March National Assembly session to clearly establish that stalking crimes are not individual issues but social crimes."

Park said, "Due to the social perception that still regards stalking as a minor offense punishable by a 100,000 won fine, even after more than 20 years since the Stalking Punishment Act was first proposed in the National Assembly, proper discussions have not been held. The Democratic Party will work to improve social perceptions of stalking crimes and guarantee citizens' safety," she emphasized.

The government bill submitted to the National Assembly in December last year stipulates that those who commit stalking crimes may be punished with imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won, and if a weapon is used, the punishment is strengthened to imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won. The Stalking Crime Punishment Act, which Park Jumin proposed as the main sponsor, allows prosecutors or judicial police officers to request provisional measures from the court, such as prohibiting the offender from approaching within 100 meters of the victim’s residence, if there is a concern of stalking crime recurrence. Including Park’s bill, a total of nine bills to strengthen punishment for stalking crimes are currently pending in the National Assembly.

Lawmaker Park Jumin said, "There is no ruling or opposition party when it comes to eradicating stalking, a violent act that destroys daily life, and building a safe society," adding, "I will take the lead in improving laws and systems to eradicate stalking crimes and to protect and support crime victims until the end."

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