Inadequate Response to Stalking Murder... Police to Conduct Comprehensive Review of Relationship-Based Crimes

Cases Under Investigation and Management to Be Reviewed by Police Chiefs
High-Risk Perpetrators to Face Detention or Electronic Monitoring
"Take Every Possible Measure Permitted by Law"

In response to controversy over the police's inadequate response to a stalking murder case that occurred in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, the National Police Agency has decided to conduct a comprehensive review of all relationship-based crimes and assess overall measures taken by the police.

On March 18, the National Police Agency announced that a virtual meeting of the police leadership was held in the morning, presided over by Yu Jaeseong, Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency, and attended by chiefs of provincial police agencies and police stations nationwide. The agency explained that this meeting was convened to reinforce its commitment to preventing a recurrence of inadequate responses like those seen in the 'Namyangju stalking murder case.'

Yoo Jaesung, Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Acting Commissioner Yu acknowledged that, although the perpetrator in this case was subject to electronic location tracking (electronic anklet) and was considered highly likely to reoffend, the police response fell short, such as failing to sufficiently separate the perpetrator from the victim. He also instructed that, from today until April 2, all relationship-based crimes—including stalking—currently under police investigation or management be thoroughly reviewed under the supervision of police station chiefs, and that for high-risk perpetrators, measures such as detention, attachment of electronic tracking devices, and requests for custody be implemented.

Currently, there are approximately 15,000 relationship-based crime cases under police investigation. The police plan to first conduct an urgent review of these cases, followed by additional investigations focusing on individuals subject to protective measures such as interim or provisional orders, as well as cases with more than two reports in the past three months. Furthermore, the police intend to strengthen measures to protect, ensure the safety of, and isolate victims of relationship-based crimes—starting from the day their reports are received, including conducting in-person visits.

The police will also work to improve policies to prevent repeated instances of inadequate response. They plan to conduct a comprehensive review of issues identified during internal audits, such as the need for more effective perpetrator isolation, information sharing between the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Agency regarding electronic anklet subjects, and technical improvements like linking electronic anklets with smartwatches—all of which have been subjects of criticism.

Acting Commissioner Yu expressed his condolences to the victim and their family and called for a prompt internal investigation. He also emphasized to provincial and station chiefs that "protecting victims of relationship-based crimes from further harm is a core duty of the police," and urged them to take every possible measure permitted by law and policy frameworks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.