"Protecting My Body"... Surge in Self-Defense Product Sales Amid 'Random Stabbing' Incidents

Significant Increase in Sales of Self-Defense Telescopic Batons and Sprays
Use Caution as Justifiable Self-Defense May Not Be Recognized

Recently, indiscriminate "random weapon rampages" have been occurring across the country, leading to a surge in sales of self-defense products.

According to the distribution industry on the 5th, as of 3:50 PM the previous day, the top ranks of Naver Shopping's "Today's Most Viewed Products" list were filled with self-defense items such as telescopic batons, sprays, gas guns, and stab-resistant clothing.

In fact, sales of related products have also increased. According to Gmarket, sales of self-defense products rose by 243% compared to the same period last year during the two weeks from the 22nd of last month to the 3rd, immediately following the weapon rampage incident in Sillim-dong. In particular, sales of self-defense telescopic batons increased more than fourfold (303%).

During the same period, sales of self-defense products on 11st also increased by 202% compared to the same period last year. Especially, sales of self-defense sprays surged by about six times, reaching 470%.

An industry insider explained, "As violent crimes have recently occurred, sales of self-defense products that can protect oneself in crisis situations are increasing," adding, "With the spread of anxiety, demand is expected to continue rising steadily rather than being a temporary spike."

Accordingly, the industry is encouraging consumer purchases through discounts and promotional events while reducing price burdens.

At SSG.com, self-defense whistles, sprays, and telescopic batons are being sold at discounts ranging from 3% to 13%. At Lotte On, a 10% discount is applied with affiliated cards, allowing purchases of telescopic batons and self-defense spray guns. Tmon also offers discounts on telescopic batons, self-defense sprays, self-defense alarms, and whistles.

On the 24th of last month, an employee is demonstrating a stun gun at a self-defense product store in Seocho-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, a notice posted by a self-defense product company on an online community on the 4th, informing about delivery delays, also drew attention.

The company began by saying, "We sincerely express our deepest condolences to the victims." They went on to explain, "Due to the recent continuous serious incidents, sales of self-defense products have surged, causing delays in shipments."

The company emphasized, "We will do our utmost to ensure fast delivery with good products," and concluded by stressing, "As our company motto says, we hope you never have to use them."

Meanwhile, even though these self-defense products are used for self-protection, caution is required as justifiable self-defense may not be recognized depending on the situation and the degree of force used. Under Korean criminal law, to be recognized as justifiable self-defense, the following conditions must be met: ▲ an unjust infringement (attack) is currently occurring ▲ the degree of infringement is considerable ▲ the act is to protect one's own or another person's legal interests.

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