Transition Team "Ministry of Justice Considering Abolishing the Stalking Crime Clause on Conditional Prosecution"

Yoon President-Elect's Pledge to Strengthen Punishments for Stalking and Dating Violence Gains Momentum

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is leaving the office of the 20th Presidential Transition Committee in Tongui-dong, Seoul, on the 6th. Photo by Transition Committee Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The Presidential Transition Committee (PTC) is pushing for measures that allow perpetrators of stalking crimes to be punished even if the victims do not wish for it.

On the morning of the 7th, Cha Seung-hoon, spokesperson for the PTC, held a briefing on current issues at the PTC office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, and explained, "The Ministry of Justice expressed its intention to support legislative discussions in the National Assembly regarding the abolition of the quasi-official prosecution clause for stalking crimes during its work report."

According to the PTC, the Ministry of Justice reported last month during the work report that "due to the nature of stalking crimes, where perpetrators and victims often know each other, victims frequently agree to settlements out of fear of further retaliation," and added, "We will support legislative discussions in the National Assembly to abolish the clause that prevents prosecution if the victim does not wish to proceed."

Additionally, the Ministry stated, "In cases of dating violence, where domestic violence penalties do not apply, there is a blind spot in protective measures for victims such as restraining orders," and conveyed, "We will thoroughly support legislative discussions in the National Assembly to address gaps in victim protection by comprehensively reviewing expert opinions and overseas legislative examples."

The Ministry of Justice pointed out that the expected effect would be strengthened protection for stalking victims, dating violence victims, and minor sexual assault victims.

In response, Spokesperson Cha explained, "Since the implementation of a state responsibility system for the personal protection of stalking victims and the resolution of blind spots in dating violence are campaign promises of the president-elect, we will prepare reasonable practical measures through deeper discussions and public opinion gathering."

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