Stalking
Overview
Stalking refers to repeated and persistent acts of approaching, tracking, contacting, or surveilling a specific individual against their will, causing anxiety or fear. In the past, it was often dismissed as mere obsession or courtship behavior, but it is now recognized as a serious crime, with legal regulations being strengthened. Stalking can paralyze a victim's daily life and severely damage their mental health, sometimes leading to violent crimes such as murder, requiring social vigilance.
Main Content
Definition and Types of Stalking
Stalking is broadly divided into direct approaches (face-to-face tracking, visits, etc.), indirect approaches (phone calls, texts, SNS messages, etc.), surveillance (location tracking, hidden cameras, etc.), and approaches through third parties (contact via acquaintances, etc.). In particular, with the advancement of digital technology, cyberstalking is increasing, and new methods such as GPS trackers, social media account hacking, and threats using deepfakes are emerging.
Current Legal Regulations
In South Korea, the 'Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes' (Stalking Punishment Act) took effect in September 2021, defining stalking as an independent crime. According to this law, repeatedly engaging in acts such as approaching, tracking, surveilling, contacting, or delivering objects, writings, or drawings without justifiable cause and against the other party's will is punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. Particularly, if a deadly weapon is used or the victim's residence is invaded, heavier penalties apply. Additionally, police can take provisional measures (such as prohibiting approach or restricting telecommunications use) in urgent cases, and courts can issue approach prohibition orders to protect victims.
Victim Support System
Stalking victims can receive counseling and protection through police reports, the Women's Emergency Hotline 1366, the Korean Women's Human Rights Institute, and local stalking victim support centers. Victims can access various services such as emergency alerts via smartwatches or mobile apps, housing relocation support, and legal aid. If provisional measures or approach prohibition orders are issued to prevent the stalker from approaching the victim, violations can lead to immediate arrest.
Psychological Impact of Stalking
Stalking victims may experience persistent anxiety, fear, sleep disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Particularly when the perpetrator is an acquaintance (e.g., ex-partner, coworker, neighbor), victims feel anxiety in all areas of daily life, potentially leading to social isolation. Studies show that approximately 30% of stalking victims undergo major life changes, such as quitting their jobs or moving.
Prevention and Awareness Improvement
Improving social awareness is essential for preventing stalking. Campaigns like 'Obsession is Not Love' should spread the recognition that persistently approaching someone despite their rejection is a crime. Additionally, awareness of stalking linked to digital sexual crimes (e.g., threats to distribute illegal recordings) must be raised, and education is needed to empower victims to clearly express 'no.'
Recent Trends
From 2024 to 2025, laws and social responses related to stalking are being further strengthened. The revised Stalking Punishment Act, effective from July 2024, introduced electronic device attachment (electronic anklet) orders to enhance the effectiveness of provisional measures and established a system to assess the risk of recidivism among stalkers. Additionally, in 2025, the 'Act on the Protection and Support of Stalking Victims' will take effect, legally guaranteeing housing support, medical expense support, and employment assistance for victims. For digital stalking, AI-based monitoring systems are being introduced to detect stalking patterns on SNS and messengers early. In the latter half of 2024, a series of stalking incidents targeting celebrities sparked public outrage, leading the National Police Agency to expand dedicated stalking investigation teams and establish a 24-hour reporting system. Furthermore, treatment orders for stalkers have been expanded, providing a legal basis for courts to order stalking offenders to undergo mental health treatment or counseling.
Related Topics
- [[Date Violence]]
- [[Cyber Crime]]
- [[Sexual Violence]]
- [[Domestic Violence]]
- [[Criminal Psychology]]