Stalking Punishment Act Passes National Assembly Plenary Session... 'Up to 5 Years Imprisonment' Becomes Possible

Continuous stalking is a crime... Approaching within 100m can be prohibited

The Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 24th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Junyi Park] The 'Stalking Punishment Act,' which imposes up to five years of imprisonment for stalking?chasing, attacking, or threatening others?was passed by the National Assembly plenary session on the 24th.

On the same day, the National Assembly held a plenary session and approved the bill for the 'Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes, etc.' with 235 votes in favor and 3 abstentions out of 238 members present.

Under the current law, punishment for stalking acts is classified as 'continuous harassment' under the Minor Offenses Act, resulting only in a fine, detention, or penalty not exceeding 100,000 KRW.

The newly enacted bill defines continuous stalking behavior as a 'stalking crime' and stipulates protective measures for victims, including emergency measures by judicial police officers, urgent emergency measures, and provisional measures by the court.

Additionally, if a judicial police officer judges that there is a risk of stalking crime occurrence or that urgent action is necessary, they may, ex officio, take urgent emergency measures such as prohibiting the stalker from approaching within 100 meters of the victim or their residence, and subsequently obtain post-approval from a district court judge.

Penalties have also been strengthened. Those who commit stalking crimes may face imprisonment of up to three years or fines up to 30 million KRW. Those who carry weapons or other dangerous items or use them to commit stalking crimes may face imprisonment of up to five years or fines up to 50 million KRW.

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