"National Distrust, Personalization of Crime Response"... People Buying Self-Defense and Security Products

11st Self-Defense Product Sales Up 46%
Surge After Sindang Station and Gayang Station Incidents
Growing Perception That Government Fails to Ensure Safety
Urgent Need for Crime Prevention and Recurrence Measures

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Office worker Mr. Lee purchased multiple self-defense items such as whistles, Kubotans, and telescopic batons after hearing about the ‘Sindang Station and Gayang Station incidents.’ With murder and disappearance cases occurring in crowded subway stations, he no longer feels that his home, where he lives alone, is 100% safe, not just his commute home. Mr. Lee said, "I feel like I have to protect my own body now," adding, "I sincerely hope that the situation where I have to use these items never arises. I earnestly wish for a safe world where we don’t have to carry these things around."

Recently, as violent crimes have occurred one after another, it has been found that more people are purchasing self-defense and security products in the distribution industry. There is a growing perception that the state does not guarantee safety from stalking and murder incidents, leading to individualized and fragmented responses to crime situations.

According to 11st on the 4th, sales of self-defense products increased by 46% and self-defense alarms by 23% from the 15th to the 27th of last month compared to the previous year. During the same period, Gmarket saw a 132% increase in self-defense product sales, and Lotte ON experienced a 100% surge. Especially after the Sindang Station incident and the discovery of the lower body of the missing person at Gayang Station, sales of self-defense products rose sharply. On 11st, sales of self-defense alarms increased by 24% on the 15th and 16th, and self-defense product sales rose by 107% on the 26th and 27th. During this period, Gmarket sales of self-defense products increased by 357%, and whistles by 900%. Lotte ON also recorded high growth rates with self-defense product sales increasing more than fourfold and more than double.

Currently, online malls sell various products such as self-defense alarms, sprays, telescopic batons/self-defense sticks, Kubotans, and knuckles. Self-defense alarms emit a loud noise when pulled or pressed, alerting those nearby to the danger. Sprays contain powerful tear gas that causes pain to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, incapacitating criminals. Telescopic batons/self-defense sticks combine portability and durability, allowing users to block and strike criminals in emergencies. Kubotans are tools with sharp ends used to strike and escape dangerous situations, and knuckles are small, portable devices worn on the fingers to enhance punching power, making them popular.

For single-person households, there is also an increase in demand for security products such as closed-circuit TVs (CCTV) and door alarms to ensure residential safety. On 11st, CCTV sales increased by 54% from the 15th to the 27th of last month. During the same period, Gmarket saw a 199% increase in front door lock sales and a 130% rise in security windows and security products. Sales surged sharply especially after reports of violent crimes; on 11st, CCTV sales grew 100% on the 15th and 16th, and from the 26th to the 27th, CCTV sales increased by 68%, and security and alarm devices by 234%. During this period, Gmarket’s front door lock sales growth rates were 86% and 452%. This appears to be influenced by the intensive reporting on stalking crimes against women in neighboring houses coinciding with the Sindang Station and Gayang Station incidents. A distribution industry official explained, "As stalking and violent crimes occur, the number of customers seeking self-defense products is rapidly increasing," adding, "Sales of security and locking devices are also rising compared to the previous month, so we are onboarding new brands and preparing special promotions."

Professor Lee Eun-hee of Inha University’s Department of Consumer Studies said, "It seems that purchases of self-defense products are increasing out of fear due to the Gayang Station and Sindang Station incidents," adding, "The state should protect individuals’ safety from crime, but people are feeling uneasy about public safety. Measures for crime prevention and recurrence prevention should be introduced so that citizens can feel secure."

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