Calls, Visits, Waiting... Yesterday's Lover, Today's Stalker [Geu Nom Geurimja]

<Top>Average 105 Stalking Reports per Day
Nearly 5 Times Increase Since Stalking Punishment Act Enacted
"Stronger Punishment Raises Crime Awareness"

Not directly related to specific expressions in the article.
Photo by Getty Images Bank

[Asia Economy Reporters Byungdon Yoo, Donghoon Jung] A, a 19-year-old high school student living in Incheon, made 15 calls to B, a high school student of the same age, from 5 a.m. on the 12th, demanding to meet her. A made indiscriminate and unilateral contact after B, with whom he had been dating for about 500 days, notified him of their breakup. Eventually, B reported to the police, and A was booked on charges of violating the Stalking Punishment Act.

C, a 56-year-old man living in Seoul, was investigated by the police for mutual assault after a quarrel with his ex-girlfriend. He went to his ex-girlfriend’s workplace, despite her request not to come, demanding a settlement, and was arrested on the spot by the police who responded to the report. The police issued an emergency protection order prohibiting C from approaching within 100 meters of his ex-girlfriend’s workplace.

Since the enforcement of the Stalking Punishment Act on October 21, an average of 105.8 stalking reports have been received daily. This figure is five times the 23.8 reports before the law was enacted. Compared to previous years, it is significantly higher than 12.37 reports in 2022, 14.98 in 2019, and 7.45 in 2018. The police interpret the increase in reports as a result of the fact that the public has not yet fully recognized stalking as a serious social crime, and that stalking victims are actively reporting because they understand stalking as a crime and want to prevent further offenses.

The Stalking Punishment Act defines stalking behavior as acts committed against the will of the other party without justifiable reason, targeting the other party or cohabitants and family members, including ▲following or blocking the path ▲waiting or watching at the residence, workplace, school, or other places where daily life is conducted ▲sending objects, writings, words, symbols, sounds, or videos via mail, phone, fax, or information and communication networks ▲placing objects near the residence to cause anxiety or fear to the other party.

On the 15th, a delivery driver in his 20s was booked by the police on charges of violating the Stalking Punishment Act after sending messages such as “Enjoy your meal” upon learning that his ex-girlfriend had ordered delivery food. The victim reportedly reported to the police out of fear that the perpetrator might come under the pretext of food delivery. The investigation revealed that the perpetrator contacted the victim after a delivery order to the victim’s residence appeared on the delivery app he used.

Those who commit stalking crimes now face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won. In particular, if the perpetrator carries or uses a weapon or other dangerous object to commit stalking, the punishment is much harsher, with imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won. Unlike in the past, when stalking was classified as a minor offense and fines or higher sentences were only imposed if accompanied by trespassing or physical violence, it is now possible to impose fines or higher penalties solely for stalking behavior itself.

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