South Korea Develops Real-Time Stalker Tracking App for Victims
South Korean authorities are developing a mobile application designed to allow stalking victims to monitor the real-time location of their stalkers when in proximity. This initiative, announced by the justice ministry on Wednesday, is an amendment to the nation's electronic monitoring law.
App Functionality and Current System
Under the revised law, victims will be able to view their stalker's location on a map via their smartphones. This feature aims to enable victims to assess the situation and move to safety. Currently, the law allows victims to receive text message alerts when a stalker is nearby; however, these alerts do not provide exact location details.
The justice ministry noted that the absence of precise location information under the previous system made it challenging for victims to ascertain a perpetrator's direction. Stalkers are monitored through wearable electronic devices.
Integration and Future Plans
The justice ministry is also working on integrating this tracking system with the national emergency hotline. This integration is intended to facilitate the deployment of police assistance to protect victims as required. Local media reports indicate that this integration is projected for completion next year.
Context of Stalking in South Korea
The prevalence of stalking has become a notable public concern in South Korea, following several high-profile incidents.
- In 2022, the murder of a woman by her former male colleague, who had engaged in years of stalking, drew significant attention. Despite prior police reports, the individual was not detained or issued a restraining order.
- An anti-stalking law was introduced in South Korea in 2021, stipulating penalties of up to three years imprisonment and fines of up to 30 million Korean won (approximately $20,400 USD).
- In 2023, the South Korean parliament revised this law to streamline the prosecution process for stalking offenses.
Data from the justice ministry shows an increase in reported stalking incidents, rising from 7,600 in 2022 to over 13,000 in the preceding year.