South Korea launches app to give stalking victims real-time access to suspects’ location

South Korea has introduced a new mobile alert system aimed at enhancing the safety of stalking victims by giving them real-time access to the location of suspects fitted with electronic ankle monitors. Launched on June 24, the system, operated by the Ministry of Justice, allows victims to monitor a suspect's current whereabouts and direction of travel.

This initiative comes amid growing concerns about the efficacy of current protective measures. While electronic monitoring has been in place for high-risk stalking cases since 2024, and emergency alert devices have been provided to victims for years, the system's limitations have been starkly highlighted. Data revealed that 23 victims were killed or faced attempted murder between 2021 and August 2025, despite having received these emergency devices.

To mitigate privacy concerns associated with sharing location data, the Justice Ministry amended its electronic monitoring regulations in December 2025. Looking ahead, the ministry intends to implement another system in April 2027. This future system will empower stalking victims to directly petition courts for restraining orders, bypassing the current reliance on law enforcement agencies to file such requests on their behalf.