South Korea: Man Faces 2.5 Years in Prison for Stalking Ex-Girlfriend Despite Court Orders

A South Korean man in his 40s has been recommended a two-year and six-month prison sentence for habitually stalking and assaulting his ex-girlfriend, despite facing multiple court-issued protective measures. The prosecution requested the heavy sentence at a hearing on June 18 at the Andong District Court, citing violations of the Stalking Punishment Act.

The suspect, identified as Mr. A (43), allegedly engaged in verbal abuse and physical assault against Ms. B (53) since their relationship began in 2022. In May of the previous year, he reportedly assaulted her inside her car at a campsite in Yecheon County, causing injuries that required two weeks of medical treatment, after she informed him of her desire to break up.

Even after being reported to the police, Mr. A persisted with his stalking behavior, sending messages, videos, and trespassing near Ms. B's residence. Although his arrest warrant was initially dismissed, he was subjected to a series of provisional measures, including a written warning, a ban on approaching the victim, and the attachment of an electronic ankle monitor. He was also detained for six days for failing to charge his ankle monitor.

Ms. B endured extreme distress, receiving up to 100 "aggressor proximity alerts" daily on her phone. These notifications, triggered when Mr. A passed by her workplace or residence, forced her to abandon her delivery job and flee to another region. She tearfully pleaded for the perpetrator's isolation, stating, "Stalking is like a death sentence." Mr. A's electronic monitoring period has since expired, and the first-instance sentencing is scheduled for June 23.

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Stalking is like a death sentence. Please isolate the perpetrator.