Korean Prosecutors Enhance Measures Against Stalking Crimes Following Recent Attacks

On July 30, 2025, a man in his 30s, identified as A, was transported to the Ulsan District Court for a warrant review after allegedly attempting to murder a woman in her 20s with a weapon in a hospital parking lot. This incident is part of a troubling trend of violent attacks against stalking victims in South Korea. In response, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced improvements to the handling of temporary protective measures for stalking cases.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office stated that there has been a rising demand for effective protective measures, especially after several incidents where stalking victims were seriously harmed or killed despite having reported their stalkers. They directed local prosecutors to enhance the processing of temporary protective measures for stalking victims.

To prevent delays or omissions in protective measures, dedicated prosecutors will now directly hear victims' testimonies. If police records do not sufficiently demonstrate the repeat nature of the stalking, prosecutors will investigate the potential for recurrence themselves before filing for protective measures.

Additionally, a constant communication system will be established with local police handling stalking cases to ensure that victims' previous reports are considered and that protective measures can be requested promptly. The Supreme Prosecutors' Office also instructed the establishment of a dedicated system for processing temporary protective measures, including appointing specialized prosecutors.

This initiative comes in light of recent high-profile stalking-related murders, including the tragic case of a woman in her 50s who was killed by her stalker after a previous request for protective measures was denied by prosecutors on the grounds of insufficient evidence of repeat offenses. Another incident involved a woman in her 20s in Ulsan who was seriously injured in a knife attack after enduring stalking. In that case, while police sought protective measures, the request for detention was denied by prosecutors.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office emphasized that temporary protective measures are essential for safeguarding victims from potential threats before a final legal resolution is reached, highlighting the need for continuous protection against the recurring nature of such crimes.