“See you soon, I'll come to pick you up”: Chilling prison letter prompts justice ministry to act on secondary victimization

South Korea's Ministry of Justice is strengthening victim protection measures after a stalking victim received a threatening letter from the incarcerated perpetrator, an incident described as "secondary victimization."

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See you soon^^ I'll come to pick you up.

Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho highlighted the case on social media, referencing a media report about the victim receiving a menacing letter from the stalker, who is serving time. The letter, which included a drawing of a dandelion and a feather, contained the chilling phrase, 'See you soon^^ I'll come to pick you up.' The victim has reportedly suffered significant mental anguish following the incident.

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The said perpetrator was immediately designated as a 'letter censorship subject' to block additional damage.

In response, the ministry has immediately designated the offender as a subject for 'letter censorship' to prevent further harm. However, Minister Chung acknowledged that this is an individual response and not a fundamental solution. He emphasized that stalking is a crime with a high risk of recidivism, and without complete separation of victims and perpetrators, there is a significant concern of retaliatory acts even after punishment.

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Stalking is a crime with a high risk of recidivism, and if victims and perpetrators are not fundamentally separated, there is a high risk of additional retaliation even after punishment.

Chung stated that the ministry is actively preparing measures to protect victims from secondary victimization, including threats like 'letters from prison.' He urged the National Assembly to collaborate in finding comprehensive solutions, noting that similar concerns apply to domestic violence and sex crimes. The ministry is considering both immediate administrative actions and legislative changes to address the issue.

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We will actively prepare measures to protect victims from secondary victimization, such as letters from prison, starting with administrative measures that can be taken immediately and including legal revisions.