Surge in Human Trafficking Victims Over 3 Years... 30 Cases Confirmed in First Half of This Year

The number of human trafficking victims receiving government support and protection has surged over the past three years.

According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on July 20, the number of confirmed human trafficking victims—encompassing cases of sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, and labor exploitation—increased from 3 in 2023 to 12 in 2024, and then to 42 in 2025. Additionally, in the first half of this year, 30 more individuals were officially recognized as human trafficking victims and received government support.

Starting this year, when victims are referred from the National Police Agency or other agencies, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family grants immediate recognition as human trafficking victims without a separate review process, and provides advance support payments even before the issuance of victim confirmation documents.

The ministry has also introduced emergency housing support funds and, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, established expedited procedures to support the stay of foreign victims.

Furthermore, the ministry is developing indicators for identifying victims that reflect the specific circumstances of migrant workers in the fisheries industry. It is also working on legislation to ensure that when a victim is discovered during investigations or inspections, immediate referral can be made to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and other relevant protection agencies.

On July 30, which marks "World Day Against Trafficking in Persons," the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family plans to promote anti-trafficking awareness in collaboration with the Korea Women’s Human Rights Institute. Efforts will include posting an awareness video detailing human trafficking cases in criminal complexes in Cambodia, as well as hosting activities such as sharing web posters and OX quizzes. A drawing will be held among 400 participants for prize giveaways.

"Because of the covert nature of trafficking crimes, public awareness and understanding are essential," Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Min-kyung stated. "We will work to create an environment where anyone can identify suspected trafficking cases and request assistance," she added.

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