South Korean authorities are developing a mobile app for stalking victims to track their aggressors in real-time if they are nearby. The app, announced by South Korea's justice ministry, is part of an approved amendment to the country's electronic monitoring law.
Stalking has become a significant public concern in South Korea, especially following high-profile crimes linked to stalking. Previously, victims only received text alerts when their stalkers were nearby but could not determine their exact locations, making it challenging to assess their safety.
The forthcoming app will enable victims to view a stalker's location on a map via their smartphones, allowing for better navigation to safety. Stalkers’ whereabouts will be tracked using wearable electronic devices, as explained by the justice ministry.
Additionally, South Korea is working to integrate this tracking system with the national emergency hotline to ensure police can respond quickly to protect victims if necessary. This feature is expected to be implemented by next year.
Critics of the system highlight the ongoing issue of violence against women in the country, noting that stalking behavior is part of a broader context of societal issues such as misogyny and gender-based violence. A significant public outcry erupted in 2022 after the murder of a young woman by a stalker, despite her having reported him to law enforcement.
In response to these issues, South Korea introduced an anti-stalking law in 2021, which carries penalties including jail time and hefty fines for offenders. The law was revised in 2023 to streamline prosecution processes for stalking.
The number of stalking reports has surged following these legislative changes, with reported cases increasing from 7,600 in 2022 to over 13,000 last year, demonstrating the growing awareness and seriousness with which stalking incidents are now being addressed.
